tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82385337404362848832016-12-09T06:26:52.032-08:00Peg with PenA blog about the truth. Today, it's important for all of us to find our own way to share the truth. Mainstream media and the billionaires will not silence our voices.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-79608613217356602802016-11-21T09:22:00.000-08:002016-11-21T09:22:07.442-08:00Why did I have to "tell you so?" <i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/why-did-i-have-to-tell-you-so/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/19/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><b><br /></b><b>"All indications are that labor has been caught unprepared for a President Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress and Supreme Court. With such broad control over every branch of government, Trump may be able to not only roll back many of Obama’s accomplishments, but also change the face of labor law for decades to come." - read more at <a href="http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/19639/think_its_tough_for_labor_now_just_wait_until_trump_takes_office_in_january" target="_blank">Think It’s Tough for Labor Now? Just Wait Until Trump Takes Office in January</a></b><br /><br />Remember that seat at the table? The frenemies? The support for #teachstrong? The #ESSA opportunity? The union endorsement of Hillary? And then the Bernie endorsement of Hillary? Remember? Some of you may even remember the most bizarre turn of events where it became clear that the new ed. activist mantra was compromise, and those of us who refused to negotiate with children's lives were suddenly labeled "purists." Remember?<br /><br />Remember how <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/05/my-response-to-kerrie-dallman-cea.html" target="_blank">Racist Relay</a> "Graduate" School glided through in Colorado practically on ice skates (as it did in other states), and <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/understanding-teach-like-champion.html" target="_blank">Teach Like a Champion Racist</a> (hear plate hitting wall) had some "good things" in it? Remember how we've been screaming about the absolute racist practices in the public schools for years - specifically in our urban public schools populated by children of color - and we were met with silence? Remember how many children suffered and were abused? How many teachers left or were fired or their positions were eliminated - because ultimately the union did NOT have our backs? While certain individuals continued to sit around and "talk" about how we could "get a little" for our kids - and those of us who demanded MORE were labeled angry and just downright difficult to work with? Remember how we were ignored while arrogant condescending so-called power players kept hanging on to that seat at the table? Boy, I remember.<br /><br />Well, this is where it got us. This is what it got for our kids and our teachers. Yeah, it was tough before, but now? Between ESSA, Trump, and the already absolute racist practices in our urban public schools via Obama and previous presidents and ed. policy, I would hope somebody out there is ready for a revolution. And if you think it's going to happen via our national unions or the democratic party think again - they are CORPORATE OWNED AND CONTROLLED.<br /><br />And yes, I'm truly happy to see people protesting now, people who previously ignored all of this while protecting their own and staying absolutely fucking comfortable as hell - so sad it had to get to this point to wake people up. But clearly it was necessary. So thank you for waking up. But, moving forward, let's not forget for one second how we got here - be sure to thank the unions and the dems and the liberals for helping get us right to this absolute spot we sit in now. How does it feel? Pretty shitty? Well, think back on the kids in Aurora, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, Philly, New Orleans and more - who've been dealing with this shit FOREVER - think about that. Think about that urgency that was ignored - and get this - is STILL IGNORED - think about 500 years of this shit happening. And think about the opportunity we have to do something right - for all people - for all humanity - for the common good - for children.<br /><br />The urgency is not new - it's old as hell. Let's do this. <a href="http://www.gp.org/" target="_blank">#greenparty</a><br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-50067663204557542272016-11-21T09:17:00.002-08:002016-11-21T09:17:24.329-08:00Last Day at Standing Rock <i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/last-day-standing-rock/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/10/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><br />This is the final blog in a series of pieces from Standing Rock. &nbsp;See these links for previous posts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/11/im-colonizer-but-i-feel-sacred-part-i.html" target="_blank">I'm a Colonizer but I feel the Sacred</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/11/im-colonizer-but-i-feel-sacred-part-ii.html" target="_blank">I'm a Colonizer but I feel the Sacred Part II</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/11/the-front-line.html" target="_blank">The Front Line</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/11/stories-from-standing-rock.html" target="_blank">Stories from Standing Rock</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/11/peaceful-protest-and-breathing.html" target="_blank">Peaceful Protest and Breathing</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/11/the-protectors-of-humanity-nodapl.html" target="_blank">The Protectors of Humanity #NoDAPL</a><br /><br />November 8th, 2016<br /><br />This morning I receive a sage blessing from Dawn Neptune Adams of the Penobscot Nation and I drag Sam out of the tent to make sure he receives a blessing too. The steam is rising up off the river and the frost is thick.<br /><br />Today is really my last day at Standing Rock. We leave tomorrow morning. It's a slow day. Mainly a day of taking stock of our supplies and deciding how to disperse them. &nbsp;We take some time to head back up to the bridge one more time along with some friends who hadn't seen the ruthless aftermath of the corporate oligarchy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8bn5cWaP-8/WDMrsimSfzI/AAAAAAAACj8/3Pzj_X6b8QozIaGPiLPmMH9PCCDr_esVgCLcB/s1600/last%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8bn5cWaP-8/WDMrsimSfzI/AAAAAAAACj8/3Pzj_X6b8QozIaGPiLPmMH9PCCDr_esVgCLcB/s1600/last%2Bday.jpg" /></a></div>One thing I've learned from my trip to Standing Rock: &nbsp;You are where you need to be when you need to be there. And many thanks to Dawn for reminding my son and myself of that.<br /><br />Sam and I also head over to donations to find thermal underwear for the Front Line. They've requested it. We haul off every adult piece we can find and bag it up to take it to them later.<br /><br />We are kind of at that point of thinking things through..... and how all this impacts our direction in life when we leave - it's a privilege to do this. We think how we can help Standing Rock in the future. We want to come back - but if we come back - meaning it's still here - does that mean no progress has been made?<br /><br />Or, perhaps if it is still here, it simply means that the various goals, one being a collective of people who wish to create a community that is based on the common good, is indeed achieving success.<br /><br />Does that mean that the pipeline will be shut down? Not necessarily. &nbsp;And where does that leave the courageous men and women on the front line? I don't know. The construction people were digging the pipeline on election day. We can see it from our camp.<br /><br />There is a plan to push forward by the front line, but as we discussed at our campfire, these fights are cyclical. One push might make the next push achieve success. It's hard to know what will happen.<br /><br />I have a few thoughts on Standing Rock and some things to consider if you plan to come and help.<br /><br />First - remember - you are here to help - not to direct . &nbsp;If you're white, check that white privilege at the door and learn how to listen.<br /><br />Regarding where to camp. &nbsp;This will most likely offend some folks. &nbsp;It's my opinion - take it or leave it. We stayed at the Oceti Sakowin camp. &nbsp;Sacred Stone (the most "publicly" known camp) - is across the Cannon Ball River. &nbsp;Sacred Stone is referred to by many as Sacred Woodstock. It is largely populated by white people. &nbsp;And Sacred Stone has received many many donations. Donate to Oceti Sakowin here.<br /><br />That being said, should white people come to Standing Rock to help?? OF COURSE. But help, and listen.<br /><br />Other thoughts - my only moments of cringing, or feeling ashamed or embarrassed while at Standing Rock this week were due to the actions of some of the white people.<br /><br />Let me give an example. At the bridge, where the burned trucks and barbed wire separate the law enforcement from the entrance to Oceti Sakowin camp I witnessed a white female rushing forward towards the trucks and yelling to those of us standing behind the flags on the hill (standing behind flags as directed by tribal camp leaders). She yelled to us that nothing would get done by standing back and we all needed to rush forward with her. There were approximately hundred people at that point watching as we stood behind the flags. Luckily no one listened to her. The tribal leaders have a plan, and the white people are there to help and listen. Not takeover. Not create wreckless disasters that could harm the peaceful plan of the tribal leaders. Not spend their days trying to party and attempt to recreate a Woodstock scenario. Please represent us well. &nbsp;Don't make this about "you" &nbsp;- this is a chance to give back and to face history, and our ancestors role in colonizing - genocide - of indigenous people and land.<br /><br />Other thoughts re: coming to Standing Rock:<br /><br />It's cold. Be sure you have enough blankets to be warm. Assume you don't have enough - truly.<br /><br />Hand warmers (the packets) are a must.<br /><br />Tent? Make sure it can handle freezing temperatures and be sure to take notice of your tent's pathetic construction compared to the teepees that stand strong and warm in the fiercest of winds and subzero temperatures.<br /><br />Head lamp a must.<br /><br />If you are blogging expect to have to leave camp to get anything uploaded.<br /><br />The additional chargers for phones, etc. are pretty essential (I didn't have one). The signal at Media Hill is weak and the solar panel charging works, but it is slow.<br /><br />Boots. Period.<br /><br />Camp near a portapotty - at three a.m. you will thank me.<br /><br />The wind is fierce - be sure to have the proper winter items to cover your face.<br /><br />If you wear contacts - good luck - bring extras.<br /><br />Food? Depends on how you plan to contribute. There is plenty of food, but we brought our own as we didn't want to take food from the community. I suppose if you plan to work in the kitchen then perhaps eating there for free might work for some. You'll have to make those decisions. Water? Also available at camp. Perhaps bring your own jugs and refill as needed? A "dolphin" to put on top of a jug is a luxury but a good investment.<br /><br />If you plan to get arrested, be sure to have a plan in place for bail and don't expect to be out within the hour. You may end up in Fargo, and in a dog cage. And be prepared to be strip searched.<br /><br />Wood for a fire. You will forever need wood. There of course is wood at the camp, but again think through how you plan to contribute before taking - just my opinion.<br /><br />Leaving camp - if you plan to leave to do anything, such as run a simple errand, anticipate a three to four hour trip. The detours make it impossible to do anything fast.<br /><br />The casino -about the only place you can go and be back to camp quickly - it's a good place to recharge your phone, laptop, etc., if you get lucky enough to find one of the plugs. There are a few in the lobby and near the restaurant. They might let you stay, they might not.<br /><br />I am told you can shower at the marina.<br /><br />Finally, recognize that these are all problems of the privileged and keep it in check.<br /><br />#NoDAPL<br /><br />Much gratitude and love to the indigenous people of Standing Rock and the protectors at the Front Line.<br /><br />Mni Wiconi.<br /><br />Nov. 9th, 2016 - The day after the election.<br /><br />I woke up in my tent not knowing if Clinton or Trump had won. I made my way up to Media Hill in the dark to check the news on my phone after hearing from a friend at camp that Trump was indeed the winner. &nbsp;I videotaped Oceti Sakowin as the sun came up - listen for the singing. It gave me some peace of mind and reminded me that the fight for humanity must move faster than ever before. No time to cry. No time to mourn. The revolution must be now. Much love to you all. Let's get this done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dnm_5m-nkoA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dnm_5m-nkoA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-23037468836672624112016-11-21T09:08:00.004-08:002016-11-21T09:08:53.481-08:00The Protectors of Humanity #NoDAPL<i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/the-protectors-of-humanity/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/8/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><br />Day 6<br /><br />Nov. 7th, 2016<br /><br />It's the day before the election. &nbsp;I'm at Standing Rock - where life is real - people are real, and work is pure - and at the end of the day you feel that you did something good. Even when we look at the humvees planted in the hills, or hear the airplane that circles regularly during the day, or listen to the constant chopping of air as the helicopter circles us at night - at the end of the day, I feel grateful for every human contact I made, and I sleep well after using my time to give back, whether it be writing, physical labor, or simply meeting others at Standing Rock who have come here with similar goals in mind.<br /><br />Today we cooked breakfast, cleaned up, and watched one of our newest members of the camp, a city dog, find her way around Ocete Sakowin. &nbsp;Sam and I then made our way to the school, which was still in the process of being relocated, so we decided to head back to the Front Line to see how we could help. I think everyone has to find their place once they come to Standing Rock, and Sam and I have discovered that we can move between two locations - the school, and the Front Line. We are of the most use in those two locations.<br /><br />We now know the way to the Front Line well. We cross over the bridge, past Rosebud camp, past Sacred Stone camp, and head left into the field passing by horses, dogs, people all the while watching the humvees in the hills across the river. &nbsp;When we get to the Front Line a lot has changed. Of course the law enforcement is always watching so sharing the "changes" is in no way divulging a secret. There are more tents, more food, more supplies, and today, two brand new tents that are massive and need to be erected. One will be the kitchen and the other a meeting space. Sam already helped relocate the school so he knows how to put up these tents for the most part. There are members of many tribes here, some from here in North Dakota, others from far away. We spend the entire day putting up these tents. Our third visit to the Front Line and they once again, welcome us right away, and are thankful for our help. As the only female helping put up the tent, I feel a bit self conscious, as a city girl, who honestly has about 20 minutes experience with tents. But I'm learning, and they &nbsp;have no problem including me. I watch what happens, and I simply duplicate the action.<br /><br />We put up the first tent and then realize we haven't put up the center frame pole yet. So, down come all the poles and up goes the center. We work together reading directions, learning from our mistakes, laughing, joking, and simply talking about the task at hand. Life is good. These are good people. The longer I am here, the harder it is to try to separate the reality with the humanity that greets me daily here with handshakes, hugs, and kindness. And of course the question always goes back to, What is next? I ask. There is a plan.<br /><br />Of course there is. And I thank them for that and I don't ask anymore.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw4DbH1S8kg/WDMpzjrp9eI/AAAAAAAACj0/0y5BQikACfs0v4Gp7O5niewSqBuX8GpSACLcB/s1600/front%2Bline%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw4DbH1S8kg/WDMpzjrp9eI/AAAAAAAACj0/0y5BQikACfs0v4Gp7O5niewSqBuX8GpSACLcB/s1600/front%2Bline%2B3.jpg" /></a></div>The wind is absolutely fierce today. Those who have bandanas or scarves or whatever it may be have covered their faces. &nbsp;It's cold and it's so loud with the rippling of the tent canvas that at times it's hard to hear. I look around at the Front Line and I can't imagine how amazing they will feel tonight as they eat and meet inside the warm and tightly constructed tents.<br /><br />We ask what else they need. They need wood, meat, chairs, tables, and thermal underwear. They are preparing for the winter. &nbsp;I purposely don't take pictures of anyone, nor will I mention any names, even though at the end of this afternoon I considered these men to be friends, even if for a brief moment. They knew Sam by name and thanked him for his help.<br /><br />We will head back in the morning with whatever supplies we are able to gather. I'm going to see what we can donate from our own camp supplies before we leave.<br /><br />I spent some time talking to one of the men about the camp, about how long he'd been there and then I finally asked, How long will you stay?<br /><br />Till the end, he said.<br /><br />I think about the election. I think about Standing Rock. And I think about how far removed the two are from one another, and then how incredibly close they really are, hiding in the hills, watching with the floodlights, the helicopters, the airplanes and the armed men with binoculars. They are so close that I want to scream at them. I want to scream words of hate. But I won't. I won't. I'm in a place of peace and forgiveness. And let me tell you, as a white woman, walking onto the Front Line, and being treated with kindness, and respect, where men from many tribes allow me to help - without any knowledge of who I might truly be, well that's forgiveness. There is something much deeper going on here than simply a tent being raised.<br /><br />The protectors of water are the protectors of humanity.<br /><br />That much I know.<br /><br />And this election - this election be damned.<br /><br />I'm thankful to be spending the night at Standing Rock on Tuesday night, election night. Thankful to have one more night falling asleep to the drums and the cry of Mni Wiconi. Mni Wiconi.<br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-9541473170310780112016-11-21T09:04:00.004-08:002016-11-21T09:04:39.033-08:00Peaceful Protest and Breathing<i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/peaceful-protest-breathing/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com </a>on 11/6/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><br />Nov. 6th, 2016<br /><br />Last night we went to the casino in order to make a mad dash to upload all blogs, pictures, social media, etc., that each of us has promised to various organizations and groups. &nbsp;When we returned it was after eleven p.m. Sam and I crawled into our tent exhausted. We had been going nonstop all day long. &nbsp;As I crawled in I heard the drum circle and the singing once again. I thought to myself about how ridiculously beautiful this is. Now that I am accustomed to the temperature at night, and I am comfortable in my tent, it's almost like mother earth is singing me to sleep. The singing was then followed by the cry Water is Life (in English) - &nbsp;which then bounced like a raindrop twenty tents over where some cried out Mni Wiconi, bouncing again 30 tents in a different direction.....Mni Wiconi, and so it goes, over and over, and I drifted off to sleep, very grateful.<br /><br />I woke this morning to a packed camp. I noticed yesterday that people were piling in for the weekend. But this morning, it's clearly full. I am told that 3,000 people are here during the week and that it rises to approximately ten thousand on the weekends, which explains why my attempts to charge my phone and computer at Media Hill were absolutely futile on Saturday. As I sat and drank coffee by the fire this morning we heard music over at camp security. Our camp is right next to the camp exit where security stands 24/7. A man, soon to be known as Peter, had stopped there in his car and turned on his radio and started dancing. I went over and joined and then filmed a small clip. It will make you smile. And it was a great way to start my morning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SDddJc80nlY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDddJc80nlY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />After finishing breakfast by the campfire my son yells for me to hurry. There is a group headed into the Morton County Memorial Courthouse for a peaceful protest. We decide to go. &nbsp;I hadn't gone into town for any protests and I was interested to see what might transpire. &nbsp;We drove what seemed to be a good hour, finally arriving at the courthouse and linking hands all the way around the building. I was at a corner of the building, and oddly enough, found myself linking hands with people from Colorado on both hands. My understanding of the protest was that we were there to make it clear that we must all forgive, we must all come in peace together, in order to regain our humanity and to protect the water. It was a beautiful protest, followed by some beautiful thoughts from Lilah Johnson. &nbsp;Lilah discusses how she came to organize this peaceful protest today. She looked to her sisters in Ferguson, Missouri.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DvKQPsnB2gY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DvKQPsnB2gY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />In some ways this protest was hard for me, hard to slow down, hard to simply be still and meditate with peaceful thoughts....I wanted to get back to camp - there were things we needed to do. I'm a city girl, I move fast, I get things done real fast, and that's not necessarily always the right or most helpful way to be. Sometimes it's important to just be present. I was reminded of that today where I was forced to stop, breathe, and simply hold hands in silence.<br /><br />As we headed back to camp we stopped by a horrific sight - it truly makes me choke up viewing it. It was a portion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. It was like someone had taken an ax to the earth - yet they didn't stop with one chop. They were merciless. They hacked again and again and again. They hacked over the hills, in a murderous way, leaving the earth exposed and wood planks had been pounded into the ground to demand compliance. They then had taken that now all too familiar barbed wire that I see at Standing Rock - it flows in circle after circle to bind off an area from anyone who might feel the need to stop their cold and calculated progress. We took pictures. Dawn, a member of the Penobscot tribe, and a Green Party member, gave me some tobacco (asemaa) and told me to toss it to the earth and say a prayer. Again, forcing me to slow down, forcing me to go within, and think deeply about what I do, and why I do it.<br /><br />So I did. I stopped and thought. I stopped moving so fast. And I breathed.<br /><br />I watched my son climb down into the Dakota Access Pipeline and I tried to imagine what he might feel and think, as his generation will see and know the consequences of this more than I ever will.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1U9i429QyG8/WDMoX7DAuQI/AAAAAAAACjk/YuJo6_TTcq0grGNn1ouNDxTP5lbsb3QMwCLcB/s1600/dapl%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1U9i429QyG8/WDMoX7DAuQI/AAAAAAAACjk/YuJo6_TTcq0grGNn1ouNDxTP5lbsb3QMwCLcB/s1600/dapl%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I took pictures, listened to car horns of support as they drove by, and then &nbsp;I climbed back into the van to head back to camp.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow_jwfWTaV8/WDMowXYYjmI/AAAAAAAACjo/TbFYYrcS6_cB5x4GFAu0D0gW9OpTfKf9wCLcB/s1600/van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow_jwfWTaV8/WDMowXYYjmI/AAAAAAAACjo/TbFYYrcS6_cB5x4GFAu0D0gW9OpTfKf9wCLcB/s1600/van.jpg" /></a></div>I've been here four days and there has been no wind. None. In all the videos previous to coming here it was blustery. Today - there is wind. Immense wind. The flags are all flying high, including the United States flag positioned in the sign of distress. We are now back and I've climbed into our van to type before I forget all the things that have transpired. It's impossible to type outside. &nbsp;It's 2 pm. &nbsp;Sam sits next to me in the van doing homework so that he doesn't get behind. We have people that stop by our camp to tell us they are voting for Jill Stein. They love our Green Party Banner. &nbsp;We love being here.<br /><br /><br />Mni Wiconi.<br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-56282692293483773542016-11-21T08:45:00.001-08:002016-11-22T05:42:49.808-08:00Stories from Standing Rock <i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/stories-standing-rock/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/5/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><br />November 5th, 2016<br /><br />Today we ate breakfast and headed back to the Front Line to deliver the shields. As we cross over the bridge into the Rosebud camp we are immediately told there is a direct action today. Not sure what it is, but hoping we will hear more. We head on to the Front Line. We've got the shields that Sam made, and the few hardback books that were waterlogged from the school. We know the layout of the camps quite well now. We trek past Rosebud, Sacred Stone, and simply make our way along Cannonball River with the teepees as our end point in the distance.<br /><br />When we arrive there I'm immediately directed to a drop-off point for the shields - there are piles of them already. When we made the shields yesterday the idea for creating them came from someone at the camp - word of mouth travels fast. Everyone took their storage bin lids and quickly devised handles and sent them on to the Front Line. When we visited the Front Line yesterday I'm pretty sure there were only two teepees. Now there are four. There is also milk of magnesia (for tear gas) and various other piles of supplies that have appeared in the last 24 hours.<br /><br />We see a friend there who we know and we ask about the direct action - he states that he has no idea. As he should. Who are we anyway? We could be infiltrators who are dropping off shields in the hopes of gaining information. We thank them for all that they are doing and leave.<br /><br />Across Canonball River the police/military presence has increased. &nbsp;Yesterday there were approximately 5 vehicles (Humvees). Today just along this area of the Front Line I spot easily twenty or more. &nbsp;Today the law enforcement officers are standing outside of the vehicles staring at everyone with binoculars. They have two police boats riding up and down the river.<br /><br />Last night we of course had helicopters circling all night. Hard sleeping conditions. Today, for the first time since I arrived, we have helicopters circling all day too. They circle low and loud as always.<br /><br />We make our way back through the Sacred Stone camp, Rosebud, and across the bridge back to Oceti Sakowin Camp. As we make our way back we are told that the direct action today is at the bridge. We fill our water bottles and head there. It's crazy hot by now. The nights are freezing, the days are burning up typically.<br /><br />Sam and I view this at the bridge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMTfWmJ8pug/WDMh9rQpwyI/AAAAAAAACjI/Gke_Vxd8BUk7Hj-H2M3apSCZ-_hGJp3bgCEw/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMTfWmJ8pug/WDMh9rQpwyI/AAAAAAAACjI/Gke_Vxd8BUk7Hj-H2M3apSCZ-_hGJp3bgCEw/s320/IMG_2634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVGhYvwfRkI/WDMh9TIXkxI/AAAAAAAACjE/MNF2uZPXjOgG-xDWYQO0cBxLimVngEzpwCEw/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVGhYvwfRkI/WDMh9TIXkxI/AAAAAAAACjE/MNF2uZPXjOgG-xDWYQO0cBxLimVngEzpwCEw/s320/IMG_2644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The bridge is where the cars and tires were burned in an effort to stop the digging. &nbsp;Many others are already heading to the bridge today. We make our way there &nbsp;and across from it the road is lined with law enforcement. &nbsp;Throughout our time there the law enforcement rotates &nbsp;in and out, easily 40 to 50 vehicles at a time. The word of mouth "direct action" clearly made traction fast in the camp. The law enforcement had maneuvered into the fields on either side of the road. &nbsp;When we left the bridge finally there were easily 200 or so people waiting and standing in the road. &nbsp;Tribal leaders came out on horseback and directed everyone to stay back, and eventually asked us to head back to camp. I have no idea what the direct action was, or if it occurred, or if perhaps it is occurring tonight. But it was clear to me that many are ready for action; action I am told must remain peaceful. It is strange to be standing in a country where we proclaim to be a "democracy", and where various law enforcement officials bear down, ready to take brutal action on peaceful people. &nbsp;Watching 200 people on one side of the bridge, watching over 50 law enforcement vehicles on the other side of the bridge, separated by burned vehicles - is something - well it's something I think I'm still trying to wrap my head around. &nbsp;As I write this blog at the casino tonight I talk to a young man from Los Angeles. He says we are at a crossroads - we want to protect the water - we are protectors - but we are at a point where we protect or we head down the wrong path (more or less, not remaining peaceful) - it is hard to know what will happen. &nbsp;He says he is tired and he is ready to go home. &nbsp;He has been here two months. &nbsp;I am told many at the camp plan never to leave - they will see this through to the end.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Evg9qUk5Rkc/WDMi0SB4_gI/AAAAAAAACjM/8kaB4EJPuV8j8H8MYBoqudQR8c09zyjxwCLcB/s1600/sioux%2Btribe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Evg9qUk5Rkc/WDMi0SB4_gI/AAAAAAAACjM/8kaB4EJPuV8j8H8MYBoqudQR8c09zyjxwCLcB/s1600/sioux%2Btribe.jpg" /></a></div>When we left the bridge today and headed back to camp we see the Oglala Sioux Tribe from Pine Ridge coming into the camp. It had to be hundreds of people and easily twenty to thirty vehicles plus horses. &nbsp;Tribes show up continually. If you zoom in on the picture you can see them walking in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also, listen to the video as you hear the crowd welcoming them into the camp.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2zoK-0BXKCI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2zoK-0BXKCI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RWLCqlnORuA/WDMjuyWd2mI/AAAAAAAACjU/i_MRoZcoiKM4ibrp_WlZ_fOrTcPcPA7LACEw/s1600/school%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RWLCqlnORuA/WDMjuyWd2mI/AAAAAAAACjU/i_MRoZcoiKM4ibrp_WlZ_fOrTcPcPA7LACEw/s1600/school%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>We followed behind them and headed back to camp, back to the school which was recently relocated near our own camp by the river. Sam, my son, was designated the new coordinator for organizing materials yesterday so he headed there to work and I eventually made my way there as well. As a teacher, I, of course enter the school tent with ideas for organizing, planning classroom activities, and more. But it's not my classroom. I will be here only until Wednesday. I help them organize crayons, paper, craft materials, books, games and more. It's a nice large tent. I, of course, wish they had more.<br /><br />The classroom has two teachers. Students are all ages. They have a large field to play in and a river close by. &nbsp;As I'm organizing children trail in and out asking where the teachers are - they are ready to get back to class - they clearly miss their teachers. Monday class will resume. I'm excited to stop by and offer my help. And Sam, well Sam, he has worked hard every day he has been here - I wish he would blog, so you could view this through his eyes, because he loves these people, he loves this place, and he wants to learn. He so desperately wants to learn - and give back however it might help.<br /><br />Signing off on this Saturday evening. We're pretty tired today. &nbsp;It's incredibly hard to get any word out about what is going on. There is almost no internet connection at the camp. Sometimes I stand on FB Hill holding my phone up high because I'm told it will get a better signal. &nbsp;It rarely works. Tonight we drove up the road to the casino and ate here in hopes of finding a plug to charge our phones, computers, and hopefully write some posts for our various blogs. I've been booted out of the one room we found that had a plug behind a fridge. Now we're seated on the floor next to a soda machine and I yanked the duct tape off the extra plug to use it. All plugs have been covered with plastic covers - no plugs can be used. Yet campers are parked in various locations on the floor around the casino trying to type furiously and send out the word. And all the time wondering where this will all end and if ultimately, if our small contribution even makes a difference.<br /><br />Solidarity.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-68041777948822027112016-11-21T08:29:00.003-08:002016-11-21T08:29:34.862-08:00The Front LineThis blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/the-front-line/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/5/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />November 4, 2016<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KoFCW7wEkF8/WDMgbA9RUDI/AAAAAAAACi0/FqElobynHjYee31WFjnPN_WGaGOvXIBLACLcB/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KoFCW7wEkF8/WDMgbA9RUDI/AAAAAAAACi0/FqElobynHjYee31WFjnPN_WGaGOvXIBLACLcB/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Today we went to the front line - this is the camp that is closest to the digging of the pipeline - &nbsp;but the front line has been pushed back - and they are trying to inch their way back to the digging. We visited with women and men that have been there a week and they are waiting for reinforcements who should be arriving soon. Now that I know where the front line is, I can easily see their teepees from Media Hill. We asked them how we could help. They need shin guards (made from hardback books - they promise to return them) and shields ( made from the tops of storage bins). My son is making the shields now. He was given gas mask hoses that he can use to create handles on the shields. We went to the school to pull any hard back books that might not &nbsp;be in good shape (water logged). The front line has two canoes (or maybe a kayak I can't remember). &nbsp;The shields are necessary to deflect the rubber bullets and the bean bags. As I write I'm talking to a young man who was on the front line and he shows us a large bruise on his chest from one of the bean bags. He says they were shooting rubber bullets and bean bags from a boat as &nbsp;they tried to make a bridge in order to get across Cannonball River and pray. He says that one day, when 140 got arrested, the police shredded his tent, and everyone else's.<br /><br />We worked in the school today as well. &nbsp;We organized books, getting ready for the move to a more spacious spot for the kids - typically 25 or so a day. I'm hoping I can help teach on Monday (once it's moved) if they need me.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning there is suppose to be a Sun Dance very early at the bridge. I'm going to get up and head there to see it. &nbsp;This camp, Oceti Sakowin, &nbsp;is a place full of kindness, constant music, and friendship. Sam is digging a fire pit for us right now. We haven't had a shovel and one suddenly appeared allowing Sam to dig the hole. It's freezing at night. I can't feel my toes. Today an extra blanket is suddenly inside my tent.<br /><br />If I need food, there is food. If I need medical assistance, there are medics. Everywhere I turn there is someone to help. I think about the children I taught last year in the Aurora Public Schools and the lack of resources available to them. &nbsp;Yet, here, we have a group of people who have come together, and you do not want for anything. Therefore, you can focus your attention on the task at hand - the task being, how to save the water - as water is life. &nbsp;I wonder how my students could have focused, if they had all the resources, plus the beautiful land, river and sky that surrounds me now?<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lBJfHJK7JY/WDMgl1UkaJI/AAAAAAAACi4/2auf3T5TIy0xOdyzcoLB8-croNv2ZTTGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lBJfHJK7JY/WDMgl1UkaJI/AAAAAAAACi4/2auf3T5TIy0xOdyzcoLB8-croNv2ZTTGQCLcB/s320/IMG_2572.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front line camp&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>At the front line today we can see the "police cars" - but I am told they are not police - it's hard to discern who is in those cars - military - private security - mercenaries? &nbsp;There are flood lights facing the front line. When I point to the lights I am asked not to point. The front line says they turn on the lights to watch them.<br /><br />Our neighbors at the camp site have invited us to dinner, have given us insights into how to help, what to send back to the front line, and simply how to "be" at this camp. &nbsp;Sam is busy trying to use rebar &nbsp;to melt holes in the bin covers to create shields. Not sure we can get it done tonight and back to the front line this evening, but for sure tomorrow morning. &nbsp;They need more people at the front line. And they need the media. I have not seen CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS - you name it, I've seen no one that will push it out to mainstream media. &nbsp;It's disgusting - and it makes it clear that once again, in this country, there will be no taking back our humanity unless the people push to do so.<br /><br />We talk a lot about humanity, the greed of capitalism and how our lives have been bombarded with pictures, phrases, stories, and symbols all meant to keep us passive and rabid consumers. Here, we don't consume - here we are focused on how to give back - how to support one another. &nbsp;Access to social media is found briefly on Media Hill via solar panels. I trek up there twice a day to check in with my family and send out pictures and writing. Other than that, we're busy working and making face to face connections - we are talking and trying to find inspiration in the words and stories of others. There is empathy here, and a determined sense of hope. More tomorrow.<br /><br />Sam has been asked to be the coordinator for the school move. He's immersed in the work here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCXSWQY1fQE/WDMgz86mzuI/AAAAAAAACi8/9YcPgRk2NOELPkEcc93w8_nJ-Y1-SLciACLcB/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCXSWQY1fQE/WDMgz86mzuI/AAAAAAAACi8/9YcPgRk2NOELPkEcc93w8_nJ-Y1-SLciACLcB/s200/IMG_2568.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Much love to you from Standing Rock.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-67784577714402618722016-11-21T08:13:00.002-08:002016-11-21T08:17:23.674-08:00I'm a Colonizer but I feel the Sacred Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vW_a2qLesHo/WDMeBs5JrYI/AAAAAAAACio/N7wR4XXp--o5bHn0_hg3OY1Id4sCJB5IQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vW_a2qLesHo/WDMeBs5JrYI/AAAAAAAACio/N7wR4XXp--o5bHn0_hg3OY1Id4sCJB5IQCLcB/s320/IMG_2581.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/im-colonizer-feel-sacred-part-ii/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/5/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><i>Day One continued at Oceti Sakowin Camp #NoDAPL</i><br /><br />I continue to hear stories.<br /><br />Another tribe is the Crow tribe. &nbsp;They came walking four miles to the camp &nbsp;- coming in "healing" and wearing &nbsp;full tribal dress. &nbsp;The Crows were previously hated because they gave up the Native Americans to the army years &nbsp;ago, but now the goal is unity, unity to save the water. &nbsp;I wish I could have been here to see them arrive. I am told that new tribes arrive every day. There is much hope in that.<br /><br />There is much talk of the front line. The front line is where they stand to keep them from digging the pipeline. The most recent action includes the police taking away their tents which they had managed to get across the river in order to set up camp. There are stories of people swimming across in bullet proof vests, barely making it back because the vest became so weighted down from the water. Stories of exhaustion. &nbsp;This is what I hear.<br /><br />There are the barricades, the stop points with police/military in order to get into the camp. There are the kitchens, the piles of supplies (tents, sleeping bags, etc) that the military took when tearing down the encampments of the front lines. There is the Media Hill, previously dubbed FB Hill, where I go to briefly text my husband and upload this blog via phone screen shots (which dear friends retype) and any quick comments to Facebook.<br /><br />There is much to do, or there is nothing to do. The question is how to be of use? Tomorrow I will work at the school, helping to move the boxes and boxes of materials to a new location so that the children have more space to run and play. Currently the school is in the middle of the camp. I spend time talking to my son, as we both have questions, similar life experiences and words, images, and simply much that we have to discuss, and think through.<br /><br />Tonight we went inside a beautiful new dome that was recently erected. We listened to the drum circle, and we danced, and I felt my throat come up and out through my eyes, with no explanation or words to describe something that is not my experience, but one that I was welcomed into tonight.<br /><br />As we leave the dome, we find that we have been dancing in circles for at least five rounds. We walk out completely disoriented and we are laughing as we fling our head lamp around trying to discern where is the river? Media Hill? Where is the highway? Where is the school? My son runs ahead with the headlamp and yells to me that he sees our camp, with a strong fire in tow, right by the river. As we walk towards our camp he says to me, Can you imagine belonging to a community like that? Where you knew all those songs, and those dances, and where you belonged with a group of so many people and they were your family? Can you imagine what that would feel like? &nbsp;To be a part of a tribe? - says the white child to the white mother.<br /><br />I will leave you with that. I cannot explain my emotions.<br /><br />I'm shutting my computer, listening to the helicopters, and the drums still drumming, in the center of the camp.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-7640531104332568342016-11-21T07:05:00.004-08:002016-11-21T07:05:46.539-08:00I'm a Colonizer but I feel the Sacred Part I<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="scared1peg" src="http://bustedpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/scared1peg.jpg" /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/11/im-colonizer-feel-sacred-peggy-roberston/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 11/4/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I’ve been at Oceti Sakowin for 24 hours. We arrived in the middle of the night, almost early morning, and found our campsite by the Cannonball River. We face the river and across the river is the Rosebud tribe. After putting up our tent in the dark, and hunkering down for the night, I heard the helicopters, loud, low – never leaving, always loud and low. As I fell asleep around 5:30 a.m. I heard someone at Rosebud camp chopping wood, and then the singing began—that sound intermingled with wolves howling, and I tried to keep those sounds ever present in my mind, hoping to drown out the helicopters – who were still circling at 9 a.m.<br /><br />We’ve talked to a lot of people in just 24 hours. We are making connections, and it reminds me very much of Occupy in that sense. Other than that, it is an experience that I am ultimately sure I cannot possibly really comprehend in terms of the depth of what is happening here. But I feel the spirituality, the absolute depths of collective and communal “being” and this utter, absolute sense of hope.<br /><br />Water is life, and the tribes have joined together again, forgiven wrong-doings, and hope to regain – regain – everything – I have no words for how to describe this.<br /><br />Writing these blogs is a struggle for me because I am at a lack of words. I feel in my soul powerful feelings – if you are hearing what I hear as I go to bed on my second night here – singing and drums, and the cold and calculated never-ending sound of helicopters, well, simply put, you will cry. And you may not be able to explain why. And as a white person who stands on sacred indigenous land, being decimated – once again – by colonizers, you will find yourself in a place you might desperately love but feel such horrendous guilt that you cry no matter what the feeling might be.<br /><br />There are so many stories here that the words jumble out into the air and I cannot grasp them in my heart fast enough to relay them to you. The tribes are many. One tribe is the Red Warrior tribe. They are described as militant. They do not allow you into their campground. They have seen what has happened to the rest of the encampment as outsiders, such as myself, have come in and helped, but perhaps also hindered. The rules are clear on the site – and I respect and follow them.<br /><br />The Rosebud tribe prefers to be alone. They live across the river from me. I wake up in the morning to their singing and am forever in awe of watching them ride their horses all over the camp. My son lingers by them as they walk alongside the river unaccompanied. We are in awe of the beauty, the freedom, and the absolute brutal genocide that makes all of this something we see – the hope – but then the devastation makes it hard to grasp that hope. Hope for humanity and people who are being destroyed by the colonizers.</div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-64222682810322737332016-11-21T06:59:00.005-08:002016-11-21T06:59:52.515-08:00Why So Emotional? <i>This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/09/why-so-emotional/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 9/20/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.</i><br /><br />Emotions are running high these days due to ESSA opportunity. If the powers that be get their way, they will steer these emotions right where they want them, into the hands of the .01%.<br /><br />Don't believe me? &nbsp;Let's do our best to get up to speed. But I have to tell you, two pots of coffee later I'm not even close. &nbsp;First, take a look at ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act). ESSA demands an additional indicator of student school or success - more or less, an indicator tied to emotion.<br /><br />In ESSA Title I Section 1005 it states:<br /><br />“(v) (I) For all public schools in the State, not less than one indicator of school quality or student success that—<br /><br />“(aa) allows for meaningful differentiation in school performance;<br /><br />“(bb) is valid, reliable, comparable, and statewide (with the same indicator or indicators used for each grade span, as such term is determined by the State); and<br /><br />“(cc) may include one or more of the measures described in subclause (II).<br /><br />“(II) For purposes of subclause (I), the State may include measures of—<br /><br />“(III) student engagement;<br /><br />“(IV) educator engagement;<br /><br />“(V) student access to and completion of advanced coursework;<br /><br />“(VI) postsecondary readiness;<br /><br />“(VII) school climate and safety; and<br /><br />“(VIII) any other indicator the State chooses that meets the requirements of this clause.<br /><br />Over the weekend I watched the NOVA special on the Future of Our Schools. If you haven't seen it, you simply must. There's a lot embedded in this two hour show that I'm still trying to pull apart - but I'm only going to focus on one aspect today.<br /><br />Emotion.<br /><br />The little blurb for the show states, "How can the science of learning help us rethink the future of education for all children?" &nbsp;Nothing alluding to emotion at this point. &nbsp;Of course there's a big focus on ALL children - and science, my friends, will get us there.<br /><br />It begins with the usual suspects, Linda Darling-Hammond busts out first with a statement about inequality being our Achilles heel. She's followed by Kahn who wants us to have an "equal shot regardless where we are born."<br /><br />It all sounds great. &nbsp;Really feel good stuff. And then it gets moving. The narrator wants us to discover how science can give all children this so-called equal shot - not food, not shelter, not equal access to books, democratic classrooms, libraries, fine arts - nope, science will get us there.<br /><br />The next message goes like this - don't ask kids to beat the odds, use science to change the odds.<br /><br />They follow up with a pretty strong statement. They state: Our brains aren't wired to learn to read.<br /><br />Stephen Krashen states, "There is a lot of evidence that shows that reading is natural. &nbsp;We learn to read the same way we acquire language, by understanding messages. &nbsp;Also, in print-rich societies, everybody with access to print learns how to read, unless there are serious neurological or psychological problems."<br /><br />So, based on what Dr. Krashen is saying, equal access to books, librarians and libraries might solve this problem, huh?<br /><br />Yet, nope. No need for that. Because we have SCIENCE. And........there are ways to change the brains of children in order to level the playing field.<br /><br />Really???!!!! Who knew that scientists could-should-and-would manipulate the brains of children - but okay - BRING it NOVA. &nbsp;Oh they do. Just wait.<br /><br />They soften us up by talking about the perils of poverty. They do seem very concerned and compassionate. So concerned that they want to figure out a way to help children not be distracted by the stresses and distractions which come with poverty, such as violence, hunger, lack of shelter, fatigue - all those distractions that make it difficult to learn. &nbsp;They decide that science, and specifically looking at and altering the way the brain works, will solve this problem.<br /><br />So - in a nut shell, they have no plans to protect children from poverty, they intend to keep making money off children in poverty, and they will alter their behaviors and emotions to make sure they can make even more money - all the while, keeping these kids in check, under control and compliant - AND they are going to make them LIKE IT...or at least appear as though they do. Got that?<br /><br />Just in case you don't, they have examples of how they plan to do it.<br /><br />For starters, they show a little boy wearing headphones listening to a story during which they interject a second story on another speaker, making it difficult to focus on the first story. Next, they emit random noises from an additional third source. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the child's head is all wired up as they watch his brainwaves. &nbsp;They want to see if the child can focus on the first story with all these distractions! You know, kind of like gun shots outside your window might be a distraction from doing your homework, while you stand in eye's view of the window, cooking dinner for your younger siblings? No worries - these kids are going to learn how to deal.<br /><br />They have another young child in a Head Start preschool where she is asked to play "Dr. Distraction" - where she walks along a strand of yarn while not dropping a plastic frog held on a spoon, all the time children on either side banging sticks to distract her. Sounds like a relaxing day in preschool doesn't it? The goal is to strengthen the "architecture of the brain." Everyone applauds her when she is done.<br /><br />They throw in a small segment about giving children stickers at home as a reward for doing tasks - the child gets a sticker for waking up - hey, gotta start the day out right. &nbsp;No thinking needed, just do as told and you will be rewarded as those in charge see fit - let's make sure that behavior modification exists in all shapes and forms in all areas of life. &nbsp;Good parents. Good child. Pat on head. Get use to complying.<br /><br />NOVA shares that children's brains are malleable - and if we just focus on the neuro-plasticity of the brain, we can make this work! The goal being - better learning while ignoring poverty.<br /><br />ESSA helps. Emotion is important in better learning - especially if you can control it and use it to create specific learning behaviors. With daily online curriculum, daily online testing, which targets a child's emotions and behaviors, well folks, it's the ESSA opportunity that just keeps giving. Data point after data point - now moving from academic skills to the child's feelings and consequential behaviors - all allowing the corporations to get more information on each child in order to shape, form, and direct the child's future. &nbsp;When a child's emotional response and/or behavior does not match the needs of the market and/or the system, they can use science to alter a child's brain, consequentially shifting the emotional response and behavior - always being sure to reward the child for complying.<br /><br />They are even discussing adding "blue" light to high school classrooms because it appears blue light reduces the fatigue that most high school students feel due to crazy early morning schedules. My own son has to leave at 6:45 for high school. Apparently if he had blue lighting in his classroom he would wake up more quickly and come home and sleep earlier - therefore, requiring the student's natural sleeping rhythm, hormonal changes, to shift and accommodate the needs of the school and corporate profit. I wonder what the long term impact for my son's health might be in a situation like this?<br /><br />In regard to the push for online learning, they use an emotional appeal to target the audience. It appears that contact with humans is frightening - it's scary to have to learn in front of people! Children feel like failures! &nbsp;The child in the show is trying to work on math with the father and freezes up. When the father leaves and the child gets on Kahn Academy the child relaxes and figures out the math problem. I'm sure every parent watching NOVA was tapping into a memory of that one teacher who humiliated them in class. &nbsp;Learning online is easier than actual face to face contact with human beings because it reduces pressure. &nbsp;And the child feels better working online because they get points for success!!! Always reward them - compliance is key.<br /><br />Everywhere children go they will get points it seems. At home. At school. Oh yes - and when they enter the workforce they can transition to badges - welcome to serfdom, worker bees! You will be successful at following directions and complying to the demands of the .01% - even if you're tired, hungry, or sick.<br /><br />I was sharing all this with a dear friend, Morna McDermott, who then sent me this link - Boosting Kids' Brain Power with electric currents. It is indeed a brave new world.<br /><br />In addition to watching NOVA, I've also been researching GEF, the Global Education Future. Emily Talmage has an excellent summary of them here, in which she states who they are: a group of wealthy elites from around the world who, in addition to giving presentations to one another about ways to make money off of our schools, quite literally get together to map out the future for our children.<br /><br />gef-caAfter looking at the map from GEF, I'd say that we are right on track, with ESSA's help of course, to hit their 2035 goal. &nbsp;Opt out in its current form is as dead as a doornail - time to regroup and shift our approach to encompass a larger understanding of where we are headed - parents need to know and begin to plan to refuse all online curriculum and testing.<br /><br />As GEF states in the "mapping future of learning" diagram, the input necessary to shift the paradigm, is indeed a focus on assessment models that cannot measure desirable skills of 21st century citizens (see pink boxes). Desirable skills of 21st century citizens, which clearly include compliance with a smile, demand much more data than PARCC or SBAC can ever bring forth. The formation of compliant worker bees demand access to a child's social and emotional data, which ESSA is happy to provide and NOVA is happy to promote.<br /><br /><img alt="gef-ca" src="http://bustedpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GEF-CA-300x225.png" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-42548443337558578362016-11-21T06:57:00.001-08:002016-11-21T06:57:15.850-08:00OPT OUT IS DEADThis blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/09/opt-out-is-dead/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 9/15/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />In its current form.<br /><br />Did I get your attention? Good. Because right now I feel like I back peddled five years ago to the time when several of us started an FB page to create opt out guides/resources for each state. At that time, we/opt outers were mocked, ignored, and ostracized. Lots of big wig activists and educational groups treated us like the plague. &nbsp;Opt out was not cool.<br /><br />We have entered a new phase of activism - and it feels a bit like starting over. It's now September of 2016 where everyone and their mother loves opt out - even New York Regent Roger Tilles!!! &nbsp;Opt out has gone mainstream!!!!<br /><br />When opt out started going mainstream, it felt okay at first, but then, suddenly - it didn't. Why was everybody sharing the opt out love??? Did humanity suddenly return? Um, no. I don't trust easily and something felt amiss. And I always listen to my gut feelings and research to confirm these feelings.<br /><br />Backtrack to March of 2015.<br /><br />We at UOO discovered the ECS "opt out" guide and I pointed to &nbsp;it on my blog. &nbsp;ECS is partially funded by Pearson, among other folks. &nbsp;Of course &nbsp;we asked ourselves, why was ECS creating a state by state opt out guide? Since when did Pearson and the other corporate cronies want to help citizens figure out how to opt out?<br /><br />Many of us started fishing. We discovered more. Opt out was a big fish in a little pond. We'd been had. Hook. Line. Sinker.<br /><br />In October 2015 I wrote this - it was clear that opt out was on the way out as competency-based education (daily online curriculum and testing) entered.<br /><br />Opting out of the end of year test now served the needs of the .01%. The opt out movement had been co-opted. The end goal - all along - was daily online testing - via online modules that break down learning into discrete skills that must be mastered - all under the guise of personalizing learning to better meet the needs of individual learners. Not only did they plan to personalize the academic skills per child, they also planned to tap into a child's emotions and behaviors to further tailor the learning to the child's needs (look up SEL/social-emotional learning) - all with the end goal to create more profit for the .01%.<br /><br />Opt Out, in its current form, was dead.<br /><br />But - let me make something very clear. &nbsp;We needed the opt out movement to generate a pool of aware citizens - we needed it to build relationships. We, the people, helped fuel a movement of questioning, civil disobedience, and strategic problem solving - all absolutely necessary for this next phase of strategic actions . Opt out was necessary to save not only our public schools, but this planet. The opt out movement is and was important. But, we must also recognize that in its current shape and form it is not enough - and could actually harm us if we do not sound the alarm and regroup. Right now I worry about how opt out is being portrayed by many groups and organizations. For example, at NYSAPE, they &nbsp;state that the opt out movement wants a variety of things, including the use of standards, lexile benchmarks, state-wide evidence-based digital learning platforms, and state-wide assessments with time limits.<br /><br />What crazy planet did I land on? I don't want any of that. And I didn't know that the opt out movement wanted that either. Shoot, I've worked the last six years to stop all this - lost my job over it - and now the New York opt out leaders are saying opt out WANTS these things that ultimately destroy authentic learning and teaching? Sounds like a brief from Clinton or AFT. &nbsp;Just my take. And it's important to question things, even when it pisses people off.<br /><br />And yeah, I'm a little cranky, and sadly just getting started here.....<br /><br />Revolution comes in steps. This singular focus on opting out of the end of year test has seen its day.<br /><br />Back in April 2016 I wrote The Opt Out Irony - it received little fanfare. &nbsp;Not a surprise because pointing out the irony - that opt out in its current form is helping the corporate regime privatize public schools - really bites and frustrates a lot of people who were riding the wave of "end of year test opt out" to advance their careers, ego, and cash flow. Supporting end of year opt out became comfortable - so comfortable that some state and federal legislative statutes were included to make note of it in some shape or form. It was comfortable because it was a GREAT distraction from the bigger plan to institute online daily learning via online gaming, online curriculum, digital badging, social-emotional data gathering, etc. that was really needed to Take. It. All.<br /><br />Imagine a world where your child's future is planned and directed by the desires of the corporations - the demands of the market - that will be the new reality - if they get their way.<br /><br />So of COURSE the corporate regime wants us to dump the clunky big end of year test!!!! &nbsp;Meanwhile the reformers - via politicians, foundations, think tanks, nonprofits are moving forward with competency based education, online curriculum with daily online testing, and online gaming that drives and ultimately manipulates and controls student behavior and emotion. They are building data banks on every student as we speak. Imagine serfs working for the .01%.<br /><br />desk-pedalsSeriously - just add a sewing machine on top of that desk with bike pedals. You can't make this shit up. And it has been in the works for a long time.<br /><br />Funny how this information was and IS so quietly floating under the radar. Might really mess things up right before the election huh? If this cat indeed got out of the bag? Like, perhaps, certain folks might lose union job opportunities, secretary of ed. opportunities? Man would that suck for some people. There's a reason the unions keep spouting "ESSA opportunity."<br /><br />As Orwell stated, "The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those that speak it."<br /><br />There are a lot of haters out there right now. Damn glad I have my chickens to keep me company.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the reformers continue to "sympathize" with our plight over the end of year test. Don't believe me? Here it is straight from Jobs for the Future. They are drooling all over this ESSA opportunity. &nbsp;Don't know what ESSA is? See here , here, and here. &nbsp;ESSA is rolling out the red carpet for the corporations to privatize our public schools and destroy the teaching profession.<br /><br />The corporate regime does have some concerns though.<br /><br />At JFF they state, "In the short term, though, the 'opt-out' movement could pose a serious obstacle. The problem isn't that opt-out advocates are wrong, necessarily - in fact, many participants at Turning the Corner voiced sympathy for their criticisms of high-stakes standardized testing. &nbsp;The problem, rather, is that so much energy and attention continues to be directed toward undoing the old system, rather than to what a new system could look like. Moreover, if the opt-out movement morphs into a crusade against testing in any form, it could seriously damage efforts to create the sorts of high-quality performance-based assessments needed to support deeper teaching and learning."<br /><br />Gosh, how sweet of you JFF. You understand. Just like the unions and everyone else. Thanks bunches. I feel better. &nbsp;I feel just about as good as I did when our state union let Relay gracefully glide right into Colorado. &nbsp;And this is the deal - we must halt the harm first - children are being harmed under this abusive testing regime - they are required to work as slaves to corporations and a government that refuses to protect our neediest children from poverty.<br /><br />But JFF says they are a little worried? Just a little? About that idea of morphing into a crusade against testing in any form? Yeah, that would be a harsh reality for you, huh?<br /><br />I read all of ESSA - and after perusing the 1,061 pages I did ponder these thoughts.<br /><br />ESSA supports destroying the teaching profession (think Relay Fake Graduate School, TFA , and more) by intentionally giving MONEY to implement one stop shop teacher academies (no "real" teachers, no pensions, no union, hell - no buildings needed).<br /><br />ESSA supports and funds "innovative" assessment which is actually referred to in ESSA as "competency based" education.<br /><br />ESSA supports and funds charters - and specifically discusses replicating "high quality charter school models" - think KIPP, Uncommon Schools - you know, those racist charters where they implement control and compliance techniques for teachers and children. Often these teachers are trained by Relay Fake Graduate School. And I know all about Relay because I got to be a part of a Relay Leadership School - good times - see here.<br /><br />Anyways, so I got to thinking, if ESSA plans to destroy the teaching profession and get abusive behavior-mod teachers who are good at data punching. And...if ESSA supports innovative daily online assessments - meaning massive data gathering via set-in-stone data tags via common core standards. And...if ESSA is saying that one more factor of data needs to be included - an additional indicator of student or school success - such as student engagement, social-emotional learning (Do you want Google to know how your child feels about things? How fast your child works? How slow? What your child likes? Dislikes? Do you want companies to gather information on your child's good behavior? Bad behavior? So that they can use what they know to PUSH your child where they need your child to be? In order to meet the demands of the market?)<br /><br />And.......yeah this is long winded I know......finally.......if ESSA supports and funds charters galore - specifically the charters who push forward online learning via gritty behavior compliance methods that reek of racism and fake Relay teachers - well then.....<br /><br />If all of that is true. Then, where does that leave us?<br /><br />It's a triple ESSA whammy - and I only covered a quick snapshot of three components of ESSA. There is much more to be concerned about.<br /><br />But again, where does that leave us?<br /><br />Well, it leaves us back where I started. Opt Out is DEAD, as it currently stands.<br /><br />Yet - you might say - but everyone LOVES it? So what gives? Why the adoring love for end of year opt out?<br /><br />Hmmm...again.....with elections looming, it might not be good to shake the ESSA applecart. &nbsp;Might be better to be quiet and let the privileged keep their privilege so that they can hopefully gain more privilege after the elections. Might be better to quietly appease the masses with end of year opt out - it will keep them distracted - maybe even throw them a bone from time to time by chatting with them about their concerns (lots of opportunity for this - THINK ESSA regulations and ESSA committees). Heck, with everyone hush hush about CBE and ESSA it might just help a lot of people in high places advance to even higher places. I mean - the ESSA opportunities abound for those who are willing to sellout our children, our teaching profession and our public schools. Lily and Randi are happy to help.<br /><br />Meanwhile, &nbsp;these so-called nonprofits and .01% folks are ever so patient. Just as Michael Kirst, prez of CA State Board of Ed states at the end of this particular JFF brief that this will "take a long time" and "We need to have a lot of staying power to bring this about."<br /><br />Yes, they will nod, they will sympathize, and they will continue to twist the knife in just a little bit further. &nbsp;And they will do everything to keep revolution at bay. Compromise will be the name of the game, as it is now.<br /><br />Let me tell you one thing I know. Teamcompromise (aka Hillary/AFT/NEA and others) will be running right alongside the corporate regime - all of them selling out our children every step of the way.<br /><br />And you might think - we are so F%$&amp;ed!!!!!!!! What do we do???<br /><br />I have one idea, and more to come soon, but for now, this simple one that I shared last spring on my blog and at the UOO conference........<br /><br />Parents and citizens must ask for curriculum reviews at their school districts. Find out what your board policy looks like regarding curriculum reviews - but don't feel the need to abide by the policy - do what you need to do to get the reviews. Try to get parents to do these reviews in mass. Educate parents. The key is refusing the online testing and curriculum IN MASS. One person trying to do this alone has a hard road and a slim chance of succeeding - ultimately this online curriculum will be tied to grades (and already is in many cities), therefore making it more challenging to refuse. &nbsp;Parents and citizens, in mass, who speak to the school board, who publicize their desire to refuse this online curriculum, can win. Expose it. Gather support. And REFUSE IT. Demand authentic learning by authentic teachers in democratic classroom settings.<br /><br />I also recommend reading Alison McDowell's latest blog on this subject - she has additional actions to take.<br /><br />And of course continue to refuse the end of year test. That's a given.<br /><br />Meanwhile I'll keep blogging. And I'll have more to share soon - but honestly, until this election is over and all the cards are played, it's difficult to determine exactly the best strategies needed to take down components of ESSA such as CBE, charters, and teacher one stop shops. Timing can be everything.<br /><br />The good (and bad) news is that I no longer work for Aurora Public Schools. I no longer volunteer for United Opt Out National. &nbsp;I can say pretty much whatever I want. &nbsp; Not that that held me back before ;)<br /><br />Solidarity.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-72808755752108850132016-11-21T06:52:00.002-08:002016-11-21T06:52:59.766-08:00TLAC - There are some "good" things??? Really????????This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/09/tlac-good-things-really/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 9/4/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />It never fails - when I share my TLAC blog I am always presented with the Teach Like a Champion argument that "some good things can be found in there." &nbsp;For the love of god this argument makes me insane. Yeah, so maybe someone found one little good thing in there - but at what cost to the lives of children? And can't a teacher find some of these techniques in books by actual educators? &nbsp;Doug Lemov is NOT an educator. And - guess what? There is also a helluva lot of bad shit in there too. It is racist as hell. Watch the CD that comes with the book. And actually read the book &nbsp;before putting it in the hands of teachers and/or praising it - which is how it rolls in my former district - people passing out TLAC left and right and they didn't even bother to read it.<br /><br />Here is my blog on it: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/It%20never%20fails%20-%20when%20I%20share%20my%20TLAC%20blog%20I%20am%20always%20presented%20with%20the%20Teach%20Like%20a%20Champion%20argument%20that%20%22some%20good%20things%20can%20be%20found%20in%20there.%22%20%20For%20the%20love%20of%20god%20this%20argument%20makes%20me%20insane.%20Yeah,%20so%20maybe%20someone%20found%20one%20little%20good%20thing%20in%20there%20-%20but%20at%20what%20cost%20to%20the%20lives%20of%20children?%20And%20can%27t%20a%20teacher%20find%20some%20of%20these%20techniques%20in%20books%20by%20actual%20educators?%20%20Doug%20Lemov%20is%20NOT%20an%20educator.%20And%20-%20guess%20what?%20There%20is%20also%20a%20helluva%20lot%20of%20bad%20shit%20in%20there%20too.%20It%20is%20racist%20as%20hell.%20Watch%20the%20CD%20that%20comes%20with%20the%20book.%20And%20actually%20read%20the%20book%20%20before%20putting%20it%20in%20the%20hands%20of%20teachers%20and/or%20praising%20it%20-%20which%20is%20how%20it%20rolls%20in%20my%20former%20district%20-%20people%20passing%20out%20TLAC%20left%20and%20right%20and%20they%20didn%27t%20even%20bother%20to%20read%20it.%20%20Here%20is%20my%20blog%20on%20it:%20http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/understanding-teach-like-champion.html%20%20.%20%20I%20need%20to%20do%20a%20follow%20up%20on%20it%20but%20seriously%20it%20makes%20my%20stomach%20churn%20to%20write%20about%20it%20so%20I%20haven%27t%20gone%20there%20yet.%20%20Oh%20%20-%20and%20one%20more%20thing%20-%20when%20you%20watch%20the%20CD%20-%20where%20are%20all%20the%20white%20children?%20Huh.%20%20And%20why%20do%20the%20children%20look%20so%20damn%20unhappy?%20Huh.%20%20Plate.%20Wall." target="_blank">http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/understanding-teach-like-champion.html&nbsp;</a><br /><br />I need to do a follow up on it but seriously it makes my stomach churn to write about it so I haven't gone there yet.<br /><br />Oh &nbsp;- and one more thing - when you watch the CD - where are all the white children? Huh.<br /><br />And why do the children look so damn unhappy? Huh.<br /><br />Plate. Wall.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-19329900592104577652016-11-21T06:47:00.002-08:002016-11-21T06:47:45.971-08:00Breakfast on the Floor. Poof. Gone. This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/08/breakfast-floor-poof-gone/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com </a>on 8/25/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />On August 10th I posted a blog detailing the breakfast situation at my former school, Jewell Elementary. Feel free to <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/08/children-eat-breakfast-hallway-floor-school/" target="_blank">read </a>to catch up.</div><br /><br />Within less than 24 hours of posting the blog the breakfast policy was changed. Poof. Gone. &nbsp;Social media is very useful in exposing bad policies, which then require people to acknowledge the policy, and make a shift - quickly. &nbsp;As you recall, the options for breakfast were for teachers to give up planning time to allow students to come in early to eat in the classroom or NOT give up planning time and allow them to eat on the hallway floor outside the classroom.<br /><br />The next morning, August 11th, a &nbsp;"stand up" meeting was called for the staff. A "stand up" meeting is an impromptu meeting that is called unexpectedly and typically creates quite a few nervous jitters because there is no knowledge of the purpose of the meeting. &nbsp;This particular meeting was called to announce a change in the breakfast policy. No longer would there be any option of children eating on the hallway floor. The teachers were tasked with discussing how to go about organizing eating in the classroom in the mornings. The teachers were told that the monthly average of planning time being taken from them, for other purposes than planning (data meetings, prof. dev.), was indeed, within the allowable minutes. &nbsp;Therefore, it was okay and supposedly "contractually legal" to require teachers to give up fifteen minutes of planning every morning for breakfast.<br /><br />I have a lot of questions about this idea of a monthly average of minutes that are "allowable." &nbsp;Why are we averaging allowable minutes over a month? What happened to consistent and daily planning? Does this mean that if teachers were to lose almost all their planning for one week (which does happen), and then get buckets of minutes the next week for planning, that this is okay? What happens to the week with no planning? Do teachers just wing it that week? Or do they stay up until midnight on their own time, while being required to ignore their family and their own personal needs?<br /><br />Considering that these teachers are already losing planning time for required data meetings, loss of one day of specials, and more, I find this monthly averaging to be bogus. &nbsp;How can this be contractually legal? But teachers are expected to just nod, smile, and say, okay. Then they go home and work their asses off planning in the evenings and on the weekends. Workhorses. And eventually, more Lucys.<br /><br />Teaching requires a continual cycle of gathering information about our children and then using this information to determine next steps. Teachers need time - DAILY - to plan the next steps. Preachin' to the choir I know.<br /><br />So without consistent daily planning, what will happen to the learning and teaching at Jewell? What does this mean for teacher observation and evaluation? In addition, the lesson plans required at Jewell this year are incredibly cumbersome and unrealistic - requiring immense amounts of time to prepare. And of course, the required lesson plan components, once again, rob teachers of their ability to make professional decisions. &nbsp;My best plans were on post-its :)<br /><br />Back to the breakfast issue. The problem still hanging in the air - that no one wants to address - is that I have been told multiple times that there are OTHER schools in Aurora having children eat on the floor. &nbsp;I've spoken to three government agencies and each say it's not their jurisdiction. What gives? I wonder if this would be ignored in Cherry Creek? Littleton? Jeffco? Boulder, anyone?<br /><br />Just a question. And I'll keep asking them.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-90815340197625091202016-11-21T06:44:00.002-08:002016-11-21T06:44:18.328-08:00F%#K the Standards!This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/08/fk-the-standards/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 8/24/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />I really don't think I can express how tired I am of hearing teachers tell me how they are required to use the standards, go back to the standards, write down the standards, test the standards, and state the standards. Seriously FUCK the standards. There is NO research to demonstrate that standards improve student achievement. I am so over this and so angry that teachers I adore still have to put up with this shit. Two quarters in cuss jar. And btw, for my chicken friends, Lucy is doing better tonight :)Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-62208015818670532302016-11-21T06:42:00.002-08:002016-11-21T06:42:24.825-08:00PowerThis blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/08/power/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 8/21/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />I am a white privileged girl living in the suburbs. That being said, I have my own experiences with power structures, and many that have occurred via my activist work, in my personal life, and via my teaching in the public schools. I want to share a few today in the hopes that thinking through these ideas might help others consider how to move forward as activists and teachers as public intellectuals. Right now, we are losing in our efforts to save public schools and the teaching profession. &nbsp;If anyone tells you otherwise they have not done the research or they are intentionally using their power to keep you in the dark - it's all out there - in writing - for anyone interested to peruse.<br /><br />One would hope that power is used for the good of humanity, for the good of our world and each human, plant, and animal walking this earth. That's what it should be. Seems like a silly thing to even point out, doesn't it? But in this country - that idea - doing things for the common good - has vanished for the most part.<br /><br />My chickens have taught me a lot about power. I have eight. We got six about three years ago and added two to the flock two years ago. The youngest two, named Lucy and Phoebe, are thick as thieves. Lucy is a stark white and black beautiful Brahma and Phoebe is a deep black and rich brown red laced Wyandotte. The two girls stick together - it gives them power to ward off potential bossiness or meanness from the older girls. As a young hen Lucy was as fierce as the wind. She would jump and fly up into the face of one of the strongest and biggest leaders in our flock. She would take the older girls off guard and they weren't quite sure how to put her in her place - they typically backed off. I kept waiting for a coup - as Lucy tried to take the lead in the flock. Early on we noticed that Lucy had a crooked claw on her foot. I worried about that for fear that it might someday cause her to lose some of her assertiveness and power within the flock. Phoebe could fly up high and jump on perches quickly whereas it took Lucy a bit longer to learn to grip the perch. Eventually she did. &nbsp;However, never, did she reach the heights Phoebe could reach. And oddly enough, Phoebe still allowed Lucy to take the lead in everything. At night on the perch she would try to bury her head under Lucy's body to go safely to sleep. Lucy's potential for being the lead in the flock was strong.<br /><br />Several weeks ago I noticed a change with Lucy. She looked thinner. She was always one of the biggest girls in the flock. I went to pick Lucy up and Phoebe charged at me and pecked me and then pecked Lucy hard on the neck. Lucy cowered. I had never seen her cower. Phoebe charged at me again and in shock I pushed her away hard. She then flew at me and attempted to bite me again. Lucy continued to cower. I was blindsided by these behaviors. Lucy had always protected Phoebe! As I watched throughout the day I noticed that Lucy had become a target. The girls were letting her have it left and right - pecking her neck - pushing her off the perch - refusing to let her eat - and she simply cowered and tried to run away. Suddenly it hit me. &nbsp;Lucy was sick. She had to be sick. For her dear Phoebe, who had walked side by side with her for two years, to begin to peck at her - HARD - Phoebe sensed something. &nbsp;She sensed a weakness. And chickens will attack and kill a chicken that is weak.<br /><br />This reminded me of what an activist told me many years ago - never contemplate what those in power are thinking or feeling - pay attention to their actions. &nbsp;Their actions will tell you everything you need to know.<br /><br />But the hard part about being human is that when people are nice to you and then turn on you, &nbsp;it becomes very difficult to separate feelings from the objective "actions" that you see. &nbsp;My chickens remind me of where to keep my focus - on actions. Paying attention to these actions might allow me to save Lucy's life. We'll see. This is still a story in play.<br /><br />Power in the public schools right now is so overwhelmingly at the top, &nbsp;specifically in our urban diverse schools, that it becomes almost impossible to breathe. Our schools are very sick. There are many people who are thriving off of our dying profession and starving schools. &nbsp;And then there are the Lucys - cowering and running - simply trying to survive one more day. The question is, how do we support &nbsp;and nurture the development of power by those who wish to create and do good within the public schools? How do we return to supporting the common good? &nbsp;How can we make our schools healthy again? How can we help those who are sick, regain their strength? It has been difficult to watch, and understand, how human beings can turn on other human beings - much like Phoebe turned on Lucy. And we cannot allow that behavior to become naturalized and accepted within the public schools.<br /><br />As our school turned into a Relay Leadership School last year I watched the transition at our school with horror. The manner in which &nbsp;teachers were treated, and the demands placed on children, were all necessary for those at the top to maintain their power. &nbsp;If teachers didn't agree with an "order," they were targeted and often treated to relentless detailed emails outlining demands and observations that requested absolutely unrealistic expectations - these expectations were meant to enforce 100% compliance or simply drive the teachers out. &nbsp;People you thought you could trust, you suddenly realized you no longer could - like Phoebe. It pit teachers against teachers. &nbsp;And these unrealistic expectations pushed on teachers and students became normalized - creating a very sick environment within the school. Teachers simply could not keep up. One of my colleagues left in December. &nbsp;It was too much.<br /><br />As the abuse of power becomes normalized, teachers, in most cases, do not expect or even consider demanding the autonomy that a teacher with a professional conscience needs in order to create problem solving citizens. &nbsp;They comply, shut their door, and do what they can to do right by children. &nbsp;It's like we are sick - the energy to fight back is minimal. &nbsp;And typically, knowing you will be fighting alone, makes it difficult to keep mustering up this energy. Teachers are treated as though we are not human. We are slaves to the corporate machine. Fighting this seems futile in many cases. When I can't be home to care for Lucy I shut the hen door so they can't get in to peck at her. I'm hoping she'll regain her strength. There are other cases where I see hope, specifically in Chicago where the union is strong. Without a strong union - who has your back?<br /><br />In the world of activism I've watched power destroy and build simultaneously. The key is getting &nbsp;enough momentum to allow the power of goodness to work together in a rush &nbsp;- an unexpected flood that allows the power of revolution to overtake those who use power to do harm. The problem is, power, status, and ego are just as prevalent in activism as they are elsewhere. &nbsp;It's very difficult to succeed - it's very difficult to help goodness prevail. It requires a lot of things to simultaneously occur - some are intentional strategies that are thought out in short term and long terms goals, some might be luck, and others fall into the category of the hundredth monkey &nbsp;effect. Just my take. Just what I've seen and observed.<br /><br />While all this is happening - this attempt to regain humanity - &nbsp;gas lighting is used to disrupt, shock, control and manage the population, allowing corrupt power to stay intact and grow. &nbsp;I've watched it in my former district - the disruption, the slow removal of elements of teacher autonomy. This year the teachers &nbsp;at my school were (for the first time ever) told their detailed daily schedule. They were told their literacy schedule. There is no longer a leadership team made of teachers. There are multiple pages of information about "disruptive behaviors" &nbsp;which they must follow as steps when "disciplining" children. The level of behaviors are categorized from A to F. Level D includes defiant behaviors. The word defiant is completely &nbsp;in line with Teach Like a Champion tactics - an absolutely racist behavior system used to keep power in place - it's the bible of Relay Fake Graduate School. &nbsp;Everything is very much about absolute compliance - perfectly in line with the school to prison pipeline. Planning time has been decreased for teachers at my school this year. &nbsp;Colored printers have been placed on lockdown - the list goes on. &nbsp;All of this is a pattern occurring all over the country - most prevalent in urban diverse schools. It's like the 100th monkey effect gone bad - gone so bad that I begin to wonder when and how we will ever be able to regain footing to do what is best for children in our public schools?<br /><br />There are also the visual surroundings - the compliant environment - &nbsp;at school that becomes the norm, slowly conditioning parents, children and teachers to accept what we see - this new and brave "reality" - &nbsp;as absolutely okay. &nbsp;Bulletin boards of data, disciplinary charts, the visual display of lined up desks, and students in regimented lines in the hallway (acronym HALL - hands at your side, all eyes forward, lips zipped, low speed). &nbsp;Orange cones scattered in the hallways are the norm for months on end to remind children to be quiet during testing. This past year paper chains were added to literally block off testing areas. I always thought about the children behind those closed doors testing away as akin to a prison sentence in a cell. The testing at my former school starts next week. It's August.<br /><br />All of these power moves via action and visuals completely mess with the mental ability for people to think, act and vocalize concerns. It's gas lighting at its finest. It's Lucy cowering in the hen house. The teachers are presented with these visuals, these compliance models, as perfectly rational. &nbsp;I once lived in an environment where light deprivation was used as a tactic to control. Low watt bulbs were the name of the game. &nbsp;It made it very difficult to think lucid thoughts. It made it difficult to create change and/or get out. Our schools present that same concern for teachers today in a variety of shapes and forms. &nbsp;The language is harsh and rigid, rigor is the name of the game. Teachers become beaten down, behaving as work horses, confused, exhausted, simply doing the bidding of those in power who are pushing forward an agenda and system that profits the .01%. &nbsp;They get pecked again. And again. And again. There is absolute lack of trust - even among colleagues at times.<br /><br />As I've watched &nbsp;public education and the education activist populace grow and change over the last five years, one thing has been very clear to me - as with my chicken flock, always analyze actions - not emotions, or feelings. If you begin to feel &nbsp;sympathetic towards a corporate reformer, or any district personnel that is making poor decisions that impact the lives of children in a way that is harmful, refocus on the direct actions. Examine the power structure, and determine your strategies based on how you might crack it, tear it down, and rebuild for the common good. Look for patterns and eventually you will discover that some of their actions are predictable - allowing you opportunities to derail and stop them from harming others. Do not allow cruelty to be naturalized. &nbsp;We are human. Don't let them take your humanity. As we move into this next phase of ESSA, the federal bill which is primed to destroy the teaching profession and further privatize public schools via charters and online daily testing, &nbsp;we must find new ways to harness our power - because with this new phase, will come great cruelty. &nbsp;Remember Lucy.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-22066831692255301082016-11-21T06:37:00.000-08:002016-11-21T06:37:00.478-08:00Children, eat your breakfast on the hallway floor at schoolThis blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/08/children-eat-breakfast-hallway-floor-school/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a> on 8/10/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />As you all know by now, I am no longer working at Jewell Elementary in the Aurora Public School District. However, I was recently alerted to a new &nbsp;policy regarding breakfast at the school. The school day starts at 9:25 a.m. This year, if children want to eat breakfast they must get there at 9:15 a.m. If they ride the bus I guess they'll be rushing in the door to eat in five minutes or so as breakfast time now ends at 9:30.<br /><br />And there's more. There are two options: the children will be eating on the FLOOR in the carpeted HALLWAY outside the classroom OR the teachers can graciously give up some of their morning planning time and invite the children to come in and eat at their desks.<br /><br />Let that sink in for a minute. I know your mind is racing, as mine did, as I tried to think through the implications here - and there are many.<br /><br />The first thought I had was - what would ever cause anyone to even consider - fathom - such a policy, as children eating breakfast on the dirty carpeted floor like dogs? &nbsp;I am horrified that this policy was thought of and considered "rational."<br /><br />Then of course, I tried to imagine what that policy might look like in action. Hallways lined with children with backpacks, coats, lunchboxes and juggling milk, juice, cereal and more. I tried to imagine how I would feel as a child if I was asked to eat my breakfast on the floor, without a place to properly set my things in order to manage it all. I thought about how that policy might impact my own personal beliefs about my self worth, if I were a child at Jewell. I thought about the racism that is inherent within the behavior policies via Relay Graduate School. I thought about the way the children at my school are expected to demonstrate 100% compliance, and how this breakfast policy smacks of that compliance. Sit. Eat. Comply. On the floor. Where is the respect for the child? Where is it? How can one create a policy so unkind and so disrespectful of a child?<br /><br />I thought - are the white children in the burbs sitting on dirty carpeted floor eating breakfast each morning? You know the answer to that.<br /><br />Other thoughts raced through my head. Now the teachers must give up planning time OR choose to inflict such a horrible thing on these children. However, the one caveat to having them eat in the hallway is that it might get the policy exposed. Parents might see and object. It should be exposed rather than hidden away quietly as teachers give up their planning and once more do whatever they can to protect children.<br /><br />How can this even pass health code policies in the schools?<br /><br />What if one child from a family gets to eat in the classroom and another child from the same family in a different class must sit on the dirty carpeted floor? How does this play out?<br /><br />And mind you there are no plates or trays.<br /><br />Of course if I were at Jewell today I would have said something. I would not have tolerated it.<br /><br />But I am not at Jewell. My position was eliminated. They keep taking things away from Jewell's children. They took away their reading interventionist (my position which was eliminated) and now they are taking away their right to eat while seated respectfully at a table. I care deeply for these children and these teachers at Jewell - teachers who are once again placed in a position of making another decision that &nbsp;has such moral and ethical implications - not to mention HEALTH implications. The weight of these decisions is exhausting, truly exhausting. And teachers should NOT be required to give up planning time. Period.<br /><br />To truly understand the vast implications of such policies as this racist, classist breakfast policy, I recommend reading The Power of Pedagogy: Why We Shouldn't Teach Like Champions as well as my blog where I dissect a portion of the Teach Like a Champion book and more. Layla Treuhaft-Ali in The Power of Pedagogy writes, "Teach Like A Champion promotes working-class behavioral norms through a pedagogy of order, uniformity, and obedience; similar pedagogy has been used in the past to maintain strict class and racial hierarchies and prevent the poor from challenging the powerful." I also recommend sifting through my blog and my work at BustEDPencils to get a good sense of Relay Fake Graduate School and the consequences of &nbsp;non-educators leading the way in the public school system.<br /><br />I'm exposing this policy today &nbsp;in the hopes that this exposure makes this policy go away. I can assure you this would never fly in Douglas County or at Sidwell where President Obama's children attend. This policy flies under the radar only in urban diverse schools where children and teachers are being pounded by mandates in ways that my own son will never experience in the Littleton Public Schools.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-55420069868889980542016-11-21T06:33:00.000-08:002016-11-21T06:33:55.341-08:00Resignation, Red Tape, Renewal This blog was first posted at <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/08/resignation-red-tape-renewal-2/" target="_blank">Bustedpencils.com</a>&nbsp;on 8/3/2016. &nbsp;My blogging will now encompass my additional activist work outside of education, so you can read my work here and at BustedPencils.<br /><br />I am voluntarily<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> &nbsp; X<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Resigning<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />as an employee of the Aurora Public Schools for the following reasons:<br /><br />My position at Jewell was eliminated. In addition, Jewell no longer is a healthy working environment (for teachers or students) and I would not be able to work there unless we were able to return to our previous work as an inquiry-based democratic school. &nbsp;We are now a Relay Leadership School which focuses on teach to the test practices that are not good for children. &nbsp;Relay Graduate School is run by non-educators and lacks pedagogy - it is an embarrassment to the teaching profession. It is unfortunate for Aurora's children that APS has gone in this direction. It is also unfortunate for the teachers at Jewell who were forced to implement 100% compliance models of discipline with continual teaching to the test and skill/drill. The teachers at Jewell this year (2015-2016) were the most unhappy teachers I have seen in my 19 years in public education. They wanted to file a grievance against the principal but were afraid for their jobs. I no longer can work in such a toxic learning/teaching environment. Aurora unfortunately seems to be going in the direction of "no excuse" charter models which do not develop or support the growth of problem solving citizens. Rather, these charter models, which Relay supports, promote racist practices specifically directed towards black and brown children in urban diverse schools. These charter practices promote the school to prison pipeline. I joined APS four years ago with great hope and excitement because the professional development and respect for the teaching profession in APS has always been excellent; that is no longer the case. I am sorry APS has chosen this path. I will miss my colleagues and the children.<br /><br />And so there you have it. I submitted my resignation this summer. If you are unfamiliar with my story check out my blog at www.pegwithpen.com. All future postings by me will be funneled through BustED Pencils - together we are stronger.<br /><br />I've been MIA this summer via social media and pretty much any methods of contact. And I feel I owe quite a few folks in explanation - so here it goes. &nbsp;On May 1st I received a phone call that my mother had fallen and broken both wrists. A social worker at the hospital proceeded to tell me that my mother would undergo surgery the following day and then be placed in rehab. My father would be placed in assisted living. My oldest sister (52) with special needs would be placed in a group home. I said &nbsp;- no way in hell.<br /><br />I got on a plane to Missouri and remained there all of May taking care of my family. One day I was completing what I believed would be my last year of teaching (actually testing) in the public schools and the next day I was officially done, prematurely, with my teaching career. There were no goodbyes. Just a void.<br /><br />In June I returned to Colorado with my family and cared for them in my home with the help of my husband and my boys until early July. I know a lot about home health care now. I also know a lot about systems - systems to support my special needs sister, systems to help the elderly, the injured, and those with dementia.<br /><br />Let me give you one example of &nbsp;my new learning. I attempted to enroll my sister in a day program here in Denver because she is accustomed to working full-time in Missouri. We had done our &nbsp;best to fill out the appropriate paperwork. Upon trying to enroll her they told my mother she had not done all the paperwork. Many of the items she needed to complete the process sat 12 hours away in a lock box in Missouri. As a result, we would have to pay a hefty daily fee if my sister was to attend. We decided to try one half day because she desperately needed the socialization. I dropped her off, and an hour later had a phone call from one of the staff members stating that my sister had flipped off the staff and tried to run away. Remember the kindergartner on the first day of school? Sometimes they throw a fit? This was the scenario in a sense. She was not invited back. If we had the paperwork done, they would have been required to adjust and evaluate how to help her transition into the program. Instead, with a very cold tone, I was politely told by the director not to come back.<br /><br />There is red tape everywhere you go. Much of this red tape is harmful.<br /><br />In rehab if my mom did not work hard enough, they said she would have to leave early. If she worked too hard, they would then release her early. It was a dance via insurance to keep her in as long as necessary to allow her to recover.<br /><br />Red tape, connected to money, connected to systems, speaks to a much more powerful entity, called capitalism, a system that many of us truly do not understand - specifically in re: to its methods of madness during a crisis. Trying to muddle through the red tape requires education, money, and privilege. And this system does not place human beings first. Money and power rules.<br /><br />Sound familiar?<br /><br />Families living in poverty often get tripped and slammed to the ground via this red tape.<br /><br />And now it's August. &nbsp;And today would be my first day of work at Jewell Elementary if my position had not been eliminated. &nbsp;Legally, I had the option of taking another position that they would "place" me in - ha - no thanks.<br /><br />But my adventure, a new life, is just beginning. I have a lot of plans actually. I can finally write during the day rather than at four in the morning or midnight. I can continue the tutoring I have done this summer in which I actually get to teach in a developmentally appropriate, ethically, morally, passionate, engaging, kind, way. I really wouldn't even call it tutoring - I'm simply helping children become empowered as readers and writers in a world that desperately needs democratic problem-solving citizens. I will continue my work as an education activist. I am no longer working with United Opt Out National. I actually have some new activist ventures I am focusing on that I believe must happen if we have any hopes of regaining public education for this country - mind you, I anticipate it will take two generations to get there. It will not be in my lifetime, nor in yours. But I plan to do my part to keep things moving. We will lose before we will win, this much I know. But when we lose, and the masses wake up, the ground work will be done to rebuild. I will do my part. I will be blogging at BustED Pencils now - the only progressive, revolutionary ed. news media site out there currently - I hope to make their voice even louder.<br /><br />I have a lot of feelings about a lot of things right now.<br /><br />There's something gut wrenching about having your entire family's life turned upside down, while also realizing how lucky you are to have been able to keep the family intact. Imagine how many families are uprooted as mine almost was? In a blink of an eye an entire family can be separated. And privilege is a large part of what saved my family from that catastrophe.<br /><br />I have a lot of emotions about my career coming to an end. I am happy to never have to sit silently and listen to leadership spout bullshit that we have to swallow. I'm ecstatic that my voice can ring loud and clear now, without getting shoved down to my feet and making its way back out in violent explosions. I am angry at a system that is immoral, racist and cruel to children and teachers. I am sad that there was no way to make the headway I hoped to make in Aurora, working inside the system. I am giddy at never having to sit in a room listening to a bullshit agenda at the beginning of the year that includes crap data about nothing of value. I mourn never getting to work in a school community environment again, as a member of the staff. It was an honor to be a teacher. It was such an honor to work with such amazing children, parents, and staff. &nbsp;I'm f%&amp;#ing thrilled to never give another test. As a literacy interventionist, I taught about 1/3 of the year in 2015-2016 (as did the teachers). The rest of the year I tested, getting shuffled from room to room, carrying all my testing material on an old rolling yellow chair from the 70's.<br /><br />I am incredibly grateful to be with my family more, as between teaching and activism, my family lost me for many hours and many days.<br /><br />I'll return to social media at some point. And I'll have more to share about my new ventures as well. First, let's get this election done. I am, of course, voting for Jill Stein. I won't say I told you so re: Bernie. I think Chris Hedges sums it up best. &nbsp;I won't say anything about ESSA right now either, but I have a lot to say - that will come later.<br /><br />Meanwhile, it's simply August 3rd. It's still summer for me as I am not at what should have been my first day of work. &nbsp;I plan to go outside and work in the garden, tend to my chickens, take my youngest son to the pool, and maybe I'll do some writing tonight. For all of that, I am grateful.<br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-51331909848662989212016-09-21T07:51:00.002-07:002016-09-21T07:51:57.153-07:00Just a reminder....I'm blogging at BustED Pencils now! See my posts at BustED Pencils - in case you have missed them - here they are!<br /><br /><a href="http://bustedpencils.com/blog/peg-with-pen/" target="_blank">http://bustedpencils.com/blog/peg-with-pen/&nbsp;</a>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-61502013821761096732016-08-03T18:21:00.002-07:002016-08-03T18:21:13.385-07:00Check out my posts at BustED PencilsI have joined <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/" target="_blank">BustED Pencils</a>. Check out my latest posts there!<br /><br />Much love to you all,<br />Peg<br /><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-72782215892027116132016-05-14T17:39:00.000-07:002016-05-14T19:06:39.928-07:00My response to Kerrie Dallman, CEA President, re: the union & the approval of Relay by CCHE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrTIz8PGmuU/Vy4ED67XFNI/AAAAAAAACiA/dScUXIqxnGctsW9CtvuAMa4TtOd74FQNQCKgB/s1600/%2523rejectrelayfinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrTIz8PGmuU/Vy4ED67XFNI/AAAAAAAACiA/dScUXIqxnGctsW9CtvuAMa4TtOd74FQNQCKgB/s320/%2523rejectrelayfinal.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday morning I wrote a quick note on Facebook about Relay receiving approval as a "graduate" school which can now certify teachers in Colorado. I wrote on Facebook about the silence that has accompanied Relay's journey into Colorado and Relay's final approval one week ago, at the Colorado Commission of Higher Education - where Relay received &nbsp;a <i>unanimous</i> vote of approval. Tim Slekar, also on the UOO board of directors, as am I, picked up my note and posted it on <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/05/response-relay-taking-colorado-silence-guest-post-peggy-robertson/" target="_blank">BustEDPencils</a> for which I am grateful. Ms. Dallman responded in the comments and I'd like to respond to her here, after giving a quick thanks to some folks and a quick summary for those who are unfamiliar with the CCHE event.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, I want to send out a big thanks to the people who did speak out against Relay at the CCHE meeting - members of the Cherry Creek Education Association and my dear friend and colleague, Amy Achtermann, board member of the Aurora Education Association. Amy and I have been to hell and back this year under the militant guidance of Relay (read Amy's <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/05/amy-achtermann-jewell-elementary-school.html">speech here</a>). Our principal attended the Relay Principal Academy all year long, and quite honestly, I no longer recognize our school or our principal. I wrote about it numerous times on <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/relay-graduate-school-indoctrination.html">my blog</a> over the year. &nbsp;The staff and students of Jewell Elementary have endured a difficult and honestly, mentally abusive year. Also - &nbsp;a big thank you to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/CORAVE/" target="_blank">RAVE</a> caucus for spreading the word about Relay at all of our community opt out meetings this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But let's back track a bit......</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I planned to attend the CCHE meeting myself so I could share my concerns about Relay, and my local union president had already given me union business leave to go. The district attempted to thwart that visit to the CCHE by stating that my leave, and Amy Achtermann's leave, needed to be unpaid or personal leave. Clearly, my district, Aurora Public Schools, supports Relay. However, life happens, and I suddenly found myself in Missouri at my parents' house dealing with a family emergency. I am still in Missouri. &nbsp;I wish I could have been at the CCHE meeting. I needed to be there. But again, life happens.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please read my <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/05/response-relay-taking-colorado-silence-guest-post-peggy-robertson/">short note here</a>&nbsp;on BustEDPencils re: the final unanimous approval of Relay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is the first response by Kerrie Dallman (see <a href="http://bustedpencils.com/2016/05/response-relay-taking-colorado-silence-guest-post-peggy-robertson/" target="_blank">photo</a> of Ms. Dallman with Hillary Clinton) that can be found in the comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Peggy- your characterization that the Union remained silent is inaccurate. Both the CEA and local associations testified against the Relay Graduate School approval.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, the only reason the local associations were there (as I shared above) is a result of the Cherry Creek Union president, Sheryl&nbsp; Cunningham, submitting an NBI at the delegate assembly this spring in which she requested that members be educated about Relay Graduate School. &nbsp;Sheryl and I have been in touch all year regarding Relay and I am so grateful to her for submitting the NBI. &nbsp;Randall Peterson, CEA spokesperson, attended the CCHE meeting and spoke on behalf of CEA members.&nbsp; I am grateful to Randall for representing us and I heard he did an excellent job. Thank you Randall! &nbsp;I am grateful to the delegates for voting in support of this NBI. And yes, CEA followed through with the NBI. That is all wonderful. <b><i>But I'm not inaccurate.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />This is the deal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It's not enough. And it's too late. It was simply a dog and pony show. An attempt to appear proactive.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The handling of Relay, by our state union, is a symptom of business model or "<a href="http://newpol.org/content/teacher-unionism-reborn">service</a>" model unionism. There was no rank and file involved, minus the six &nbsp;teachers who spoke (five from CCEA and one from AEA).&nbsp; Those teachers were there because Sheryl Cunningham mobilized CCEA &nbsp;and then asked my AEA president if Amy Achtermann and I could attend and speak.&nbsp; If Sheryl had not mobilized her local and contacted my local, Randall would have been the only person present from our union. CEA sent out a memo April 27th to alert locals regarding the meeting at CCHE, but let's face facts - again, a little too late - <b><i>a Wednesday, April 27th memo gives locals 6 working days to mobilize for a Friday, May 6th meeting</i>. &nbsp;</b><br /><br />Mobilization should have occurred in the summer of 2015 when principals and educational leaders in Colorado were already attending the <a href="http://www.relay.edu/programs/national-principals-academy-fellowship/details" target="_blank">Relay National Principal Academy Fellowship</a> and when Relay filed with the state. Sheryl planned to mobilize with or without the memo to be completely frank. CCEA and AEA were the only locals presence - and understandably so. We were two of the few locals who even knew about Relay previous to Sheryl's NBI. Every local should have know about Relay in August of 2015.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What's truly fascinating about all of this is that the state union has been monitoring this Relay "situation" all along. And ultimately, the union should have been educating the teachers and the parents about the perils of Relay - ALL ALONG. &nbsp;The union should have informed the deans of the colleges of education in Colorado. The union should have visited the public schools inflicted by Relay to hear from the teachers. The union should have mobilized rank and file to attend every state board of education meeting and CCHE meeting during which Relay continued to get passed on through - we should have packed the house.&nbsp;The union should have mobilized and canvassed the neighborhoods of Relay Leadership Schools, such as Jewell Elementary where Amy and I teach.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To show up, at the end, the final vote, where it was crystal clear that CCHE already planned to support Relay, was quite honestly, a little too late. I did my research prior to the CCHE meeting, and I knew that CCHE was going to support Relay, just as the CO State Board of Education had done. I knew it was a lost cause, because this fight to take down Relay should have started a long time ago. Instead, there was silence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">CEA did nothing really. They whipped out a quick memo with a few national links to Relay info. and then sent out a representative to attend the meeting. I know what it looks like to mobilize rank and file. It requires planning and educating. There was no mobilization. Honestly, to explain Relay in a memo is laughable to those of us who have lived it. An April 27th memo to locals before a May 6th vote is really, well, pathetic. However, as I look at the entire situation I just see it as another symptom of business unionism.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://newpol.org/content/teacher-unionism-reborn" target="_blank">Business, or service</a>, unionism is ultimately destroying our state union. And Relay, now able to certify teachers in Colorado, will assist in dismantling CEA as the Relay teachers will have no need for a union&nbsp; - they will work for a &nbsp;couple of years , burn out, and head out. The colleges of education will find their enrollment declining even more - eventually they will be obsolete. The parents will wonder why their children are unhappy and why their child's education is no longer filled with engaging and joyful, authentic learning. Experienced teachers and principals will no longer be needed because they cost too much money and they actually have the memory of pedagogy and child development that <u>must be erased</u> if Relay and other teacher "academies" are to take hold and demolish the profession of teaching. Read my <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2016/01/a-parent-speaks-up-at-turnaround-school.html">blog</a>. See <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/12/gaslighting-turnaround-schools.html">what happened</a> to my <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/12/solidarity-on-sunday-night.html">school</a>.&nbsp; Relay won. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ms. Dallman commented again on the Busted Pencils blog stating:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Union sent information to all members. The union led testimony at the CHE. The union researched, informed, and helped members organize and testify.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sure. &nbsp;Ms. Dallman sent out an email on April 27th and the CCHE meeting was May 6th. &nbsp;Got it. The union sent info, as they should have, after the delegate assembly this spring, all as a result of Sheryl Cunningham's NBI and as a result of delegate support. Got that too. Truly, the fact that it took this NBI to get this ball rolling is, again, A LITTLE TOO LATE. CEA is not stupid. They know Relay has been in the works for months. And what's even more fascinating about the April 27th memo is that it has no links to local information about Relay in Colorado's public schools - no mention of CO districts it has infiltrated - members won't have a clue where Relay has taken hold. Lynn Kalinauskas wrote about it in Denver <a href="http://greaterparkhill.org/2015/11/relay-seeking-approval-for-colorado-masters-program/">here</a>and <a href="http://greaterparkhill.org/2015/09/dps-embraces-relay-training/">here</a>. &nbsp;Mobilizing in one week to take down a fake graduate school that has been making slick and silent headway ALL YEAR LONG at public meetings via CCHE and the Colorado SBOE? <b>Mobilizing in one week?</b>Dog and pony show. Nothing more.&nbsp; And believe me, I know all about dog and pony shows. Relay requires these, as will #teachstrong which our national unions support; Relay is a member of <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/press/release/2015/11/10/125052/release-40-education-organizations-unite-to-launch-teachstrong-a-campaign-to-modernize-and-elevate-the-teaching-profession/">#teachstrong</a>of course. Relay is the role model for charter chains who operate using militant, <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/understanding-teach-like-champion.html" target="_blank">racist models of discipline</a> and teaching designed to condition teachers and children to comply. It's ugly. Very very ugly.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, a CEA shout out against Relay at the final vote? Really?&nbsp;&nbsp;After teachers and children have endured the wrath of Relay all year? Sorry, a little too late.<br /><br />Business unionism is slimy politics. Let's hope this is a wakeup call for Colorado teachers to mobilize their locals and demand a new president and a social movement union model.&nbsp; With ESSA in tow to create more teacher academies similar to Relay, as well as funneling millions to charters (who support these fake teachers), I can assure you, we have our work cut out for us. While the unions applaud ESSA, &nbsp;ESSA will take down our profession and destroy our public schools. I read the whole damn thing. All 1061 pages. ESSA is slick and slimy politics - much like business unionism. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As it stands in Colorado, teachers, children, and parents will lose under this model of unionism. The passage of Relay is an unfortunate example of what lies ahead of us, unless, local unionism rises up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Solidarity to the rank and file. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">May the wind be at your back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-71872135890870718792016-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:002016-05-07T08:18:35.051-07:00Amy Achtermann, Jewell Elementary School Teacher, Speaks in Opposition of Relay Graduate School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrTIz8PGmuU/Vy4ED67XFNI/AAAAAAAACh8/PjnU-XOqiokYKPOkzIxnmIL22ILwj2YgACLcB/s1600/%2523rejectrelayfinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrTIz8PGmuU/Vy4ED67XFNI/AAAAAAAACh8/PjnU-XOqiokYKPOkzIxnmIL22ILwj2YgACLcB/s320/%2523rejectrelayfinal.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;">On May 6th, the Colorado Commission of Higher Education gathered to take a vote on the proposed certification of Relay Graduate School. Here is Amy's testimony in opposition to Relay:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>My name is Amy Achtermann.&nbsp; I am a 4<sup>th</sup>grade teacher at Jewell Elementary in Aurora, Colorado and I am speaking in opposition to </i></span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Relay Graduate School of Education and my opposition to its damaging practices, programs, and philosophies regarding teacher training.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Disappointing, stressful, unhealthy, demeaning, unsuccessful, frustrating, and not appropriate for educating children.&nbsp; These are all comments that were made by my coworkers when describing this past year.&nbsp; I ask myself why a dedicated staff who gives their heart and soul to our Jewell Community would say the same things that I personally have been feeling throughout the year.&nbsp; My answer is that our Principal was implementing the things that she learned in Relay Graduate School Principal Training that she has been attending since last summer.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">No more do we hear things like let’s do what is best for children or how can we make our teaching more engaging or how can we provide the services needed to help these students be successful.&nbsp; Gone were the years we dedicated to inquiry and deeper thinking.&nbsp; These were all replaced by thinking about test scores and drill and practice.&nbsp; We lost weeks of instruction time this year to giving online tests so we could have lots of data.&nbsp; Most of that data was never used to guide instruction because we needed to move on to another set of assessments.&nbsp; You know there is a problem when you have to suspend reading groups and authentic teaching to teach to and give tests.&nbsp; My students routinely are asking me when we can get back to learning about history or completing science projects.&nbsp; I feel like I am committing educational malpractice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I am also disheartened that my amazing coworkers are told continually that we can’t be successful educators, if we do not have the test scores to back up our teaching practices.&nbsp; When you are constantly told that you are a failure it breaks you down and erodes your self-confidence.&nbsp; Teachers can only maintain this level of unwarranted criticism for a short time before they either give up and choose a new profession or break down.&nbsp; How can this help students?&nbsp; How do we improve test scores when our teaching time is severely reduced and replaced by testing?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">These are my concerns and why I feel so strongly that Relay is not a solution for struggling students.&nbsp; My students are not just a test score or a set of data to collect.&nbsp; They are human beings who have differing needs and abilities.&nbsp; The educators I work with are also outstanding people who dedicate every day to building up children and creating responsible and productive members of society despite the harsh treatment they receive.&nbsp; I know that I am just one person but I speak for many.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>Relay passed with a unanimous vote of support by the CCHE. The only people in attendance to speak out in opposition of Relay were Cherry Creek School District Association members, Amy Achtermann from Aurora Public Schools and Aurora Education Association Board Member; and Randall Peterson, spokeperson for&nbsp;CEA.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>While the masses slept the Colorado Commission of Higher Education voted in a fake graduate program that will certify teachers. This so-called graduate program has a dean who appears to be all of 31 years old, based on the research I have done. She is a former TFA. She has two years teaching experience. She has a bachelor's in sociology and a M.S.T. from PACE where it appears you become a teacher by interacting with videos of <a href="http://www.pace.edu/academics/graduate-students/degrees/adolescent-education-mst" target="_blank">robotic students</a> who respond to you.&nbsp;</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>I have no words for the devastation that just befell the children of Colorado and our teaching profession. As Relay teachers take hold, via a 2 yr. program tied to raising student test scores, hired at a cheaper salary than experienced teachers such as myself, anticipate the further destruction of any democratic thinking. There is no pedagogy here - there is simply a no-excuse model of discipline paired with non-educators whose harm to our community will be nothing short of educational malpractice. Many thanks to those who attended the CCHE meeting. My attendance and participation came to a complete halt due to a family emergency.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>Shame on the Colorado Commission of Higher Education, shame on the Aurora Public Schools, shame on the Colorado State Board of Education, shame on any other entity that would even entertain the idea of placing non-educators trained by non-educators in our public schools as so-called "certified" teachers. Shame on those who did not come forward to support teachers, such as myself and Amy, who have been speaking about the abuse and malpractice Relay has inflicted on our profession and our children ALL YEAR. Shame on all of you - and this vote - it is on your shoulders.&nbsp;</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>Amy Achtermann, you have my greatest respect and gratitude for representing Jewell's teachers and children. Solidarity.&nbsp;</b></span></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-27708212405128247652016-04-08T12:59:00.000-07:002016-04-08T15:10:46.429-07:00The Opt Out Irony <div class="MsoNormal">Currently it's Spring of 2016 and we are in the thick of Opt Out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Opt out is still surrounded by intense bullying and harassment by school district employees&nbsp;(I&nbsp;anticipate that this will grow unfortunately). But, the good news is that the Opt Out Movement continues to increase in numbers. Opt Out, the People's Movement, grows by the day - and thank god for that because the work ahead of us is daunting. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s why. &nbsp;Opt out has been completely co-opted. However, also understand that co-optation is typical when people are attempting to create a revolution. The .01% will co-opt in any way they can in order to gain leverage.&nbsp; They will use pawns to help create co-optation and compromise.&nbsp; These pawns who receive corporate funding will continue to push corporate ideology - which right now means singing the praises of ESSA.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And the passage of ESSA means that the end of year test eventually could become passé.&nbsp; ESSA is pushing for online, daily testing - testing that is embedded inside online curriculum.&nbsp; Children will now be subjected to online modules in which they must master something before moving on to the next online module. &nbsp;It might be called personalized learning, mastery learning, proficiency-based testing, competency-based education, innovative assessments, and more. ESSA is pushing for these online assessment systems, as is <a href="https://www.alec.org/model-policy/resolution-adopting-the-10-elements-of-high-quality-digital-learning-for-k-12/" target="_blank">ALEC</a>, and the many foundations and organizations that are hoping to cash in.<br /><br />As <a href="http://skrashen.blogspot.com/2016/03/take-closer-look-at-competency-based.html" target="_blank">Stephen Krashen</a> states:&nbsp;<i>Competency-based education is not just a testing program. &nbsp;It is a radical and expensive innovation that replaces regular instruction with computer "modules" that students work through on their own. It is limited to what can be easily taught and tested by computer, and is being pushed by computer and publishing companies that will make substantial profits from it. &nbsp;</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not only are they pushing for daily online testing and curriculum, they are pushing for people to DROP the end of the year test. Who knew! They support Opt Out!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/on_innovation/2015/05/the_end_of_the_big_test_moving_to_competency-based_policy.html">The End of the Big Test: Moving to Competency-based Policy</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/on_innovation/2016/04/grants_for_new_assessment_systems_signal_the_end_of_the_big_test.html?cmp=eml-enl-eu-news3">Grants for New Assessment Systems Signal the End of the Big Test</a></div><br />Imagine the headline for this amazing shift in testing.<br /><br /><b>Opt Out Movement Wins!!! End of Year Test. Poof. Gone.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile...............<br /><br /><a href="http://www.knowledgeworks.org/recommendations-personalized-learning-essa" target="_blank">Everyone</a>, and their mother, will quietly guide the states and districts to assist them in implementing ESSA state policies - which of course will include daily online testing - via lots of federal cash.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />The ESSA policy guides (and every corporate foundation/nonprofit/group, etc. has one) are all incredibly similar - full of ALEC messaging. &nbsp;One group that is leading the way, <a href="https://educationalchemy.com/2016/02/13/inacol-is-delivery-boy-for-alecs-model-legislation-whats-in-your-state/" target="_blank">iNACOL</a>(International Association for K12 Online Learning), has the former chair of the ALEC Education Task Force on their board. &nbsp;When I read <a href="http://www.inacol.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/iNACOL-State-Policy-Frameworks-5-Critical-Issues-to-Transform-K12-Education-Nov2014.pdf">iNACOL's guide</a> for states it aligns with much of what my district (Aurora Public Schools) is doing;&nbsp; the language is identical, as are many of the directives coming from the district office.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowledge Works (another monster) states in their guide: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Break summative annual assessments into smaller, more frequent assessments administered throughout the year. This will enable students to demonstrate mastery when ready and provide stakeholders with more timely feedback to make necessary improvements to maximize performance. </i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Request their <a href="http://www.knowledgeworks.org/recommendations-personalized-learning-essa">guide</a>(Recommendations for Advancing Personalized Learning Under the Every Student Succeeds Act<b>)</b> to find out more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, be sure to read how the <a href="https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/blog/throwing-out-the-resume-how-a-switch-to-competency-based-hiring-could-help-solve-the-youth-employment-crisis/">Rockefeller Foundation</a> plans to solve the "youth employment crisis" via competency-based hiring. &nbsp;Never forget that the goal is to gather data from cradle to adulthood. As daily online testing infiltrates the schools there will be more data than ever before - the data will be used to control, manage and direct our children into employment - or prison - &nbsp;in order to benefit the .01%. &nbsp;Competency based hiring will be made possible due to the data that will morph into micro-credentials or digital badges online.&nbsp; This is already happening - it was planned patiently, methodically, and over years. &nbsp;For more information on this read <a href="https://educationalchemy.com/">Morna McDermott</a> and <a href="https://emilytalmage.com/">Emily Talmage</a>.<br /><br />ESSA is literally the sell-off of our public schools (online daily curriculum and testing being just ONE issue). &nbsp;And the states - with their new found power via ESSA - &nbsp;will move forward to make it all a reality using model ALEC legislation.&nbsp; Everything is in place to make this happen: the statewide longitudinal databases, the technology and necessary infrastructure, the common data tags via common core standards (sorry CC is not going away no matter how they rename them or tweak them), the strategically placed reform leaders, the starving public schools, and then of course the federal bill, ESSA. Meanwhile, all the players are in place - the teachers, the children - we are all here for the taking - <b>if </b>we allow it to happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>So, while it’s incredibly important to continue to push and build the Opt Out Movement - it’s also absolutely paramount that Opt Out is not singular.&nbsp; </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s the sick irony. By pushing Opt Out – <b>as a singular event</b> – we are in essence doing exactly what the corporate regime wants us to do. We are playing right into their PR campaign. Ultimately, those who love to cash in on our public schools and our children have absolutely NO problem with getting rid of the end of the year test - they are more than happy to bring us a new form of testing. Truly. It's co-optation at its finest. They will solve all our problems with the nasty end of year test by giving us better tests - tests that go unnoticed in a child's daily - now required - online learning.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.uncommonschools.org/press-release/1084/uncommon-schools-managing-director-john-king-to-join-new-york-state-education-dep" target="_blank">No-Excuse-Charter-Chain King</a> (aka Sec. of Ed. John King) told the states to move rapidly on ESSA "opportunity" in his <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/state_edwatch/2016/04/secretary_john_king_discusses_essa_with_state_chiefs.html">speech</a>just this week. Think about this - they passed this bill in TEN DAYS this December 2015. And now, they are rushing rushing rushing to get it implemented quickly. &nbsp;They must cash in before people know what's happening. I read the entire ESSA - and I am positively sick over the support it has been offered by our unions and many educational leaders and activists.<br /><br />And let's make one thing crystal clear. One CANNOT support Opt Out and support the ESSA - that, my friend, is a clear indicator of co-optation in the works.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So.....those who have rigged this game are - right now - applauding the singular focus on Opt Out – because it does TWO things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">#1 <b>It distracts the masses from paying attention to the quiet, quick, and strategic implementation of ESSA. </b>As long as ESSA messaging continues to be positive - as evidenced in mainstream media, social media, via our unions and other leaders and educational organizations who hold PR power - the masses will simply NOT KNOW what's happening. Remember when Common Core passed through the state legislatures while everyone was sleeping?&nbsp; Imagine that nightmare expanded ten-fold with ESSA. &nbsp;<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">#2 <b>Opt Out messaging which focuses ONLY on the end of year test ultimately serves their end goal. </b>They can say - WE AGREE - dump that ridiculous archaic end of year test and let's find something better!!!! This will increase profit and &nbsp;increase privilege for the &nbsp;.01% &nbsp;as they bring in shiny new daily online assessments, online curriculum and technology. <br /><br />We, of course, MUST continue to Opt Out of the end of year test - BUT - &nbsp;<b>let them know that's JUST THE BEGINNING of the civil disobedience headed their way</b>. Districts are already in line to embrace daily online competency based education - your <a href="http://www.assessmentforlearningproject.org/#!grantees-co/p31cm" target="_blank">district </a>could be next. Let them know you will be refusing THAT too.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Opt Out was never about one big bad ugly test. At UOO we made that clear, once again, at our <a href="http://www.progressive.org/pss/fight-against-standardized-testing-more-diverse-you-think" target="_blank">conference</a> this year. &nbsp;Funny, how our <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2016/02/21/final-schedule-for-uoo16philly-transcending-resistance-igniting-revolution-feb-26th-28th-2016/" target="_blank">conference</a>&nbsp;(full of information to take down components of ESSA) didn't make it into much education news this year, huh? Wouldn't want to let THAT cat out of the bag in the midst of an ESSA propaganda extravaganza, now would they? Everything is intentional. And our sold out conference made it clear that the Opt Out Movement - the people - can indeed win this, if we choose to do so.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />ESSA includes a <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2016/02/23/essa-links-for-uoo16philly-conference/" target="_blank">menu</a> of opportunities to take everything from our children, while still demanding they be <a href="https://gadflyonthewallblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/05/standardized-tests-have-always-been-about-keeping-people-in-their-place/" target="_blank">ranked, sorted, and ordered</a>.<br /><br />Our greatest hope at this point is that the Opt Out Movement – the People’s Movement – becomes more &nbsp;educated and more strategic than ever before. &nbsp;For starters, we must demand curriculum reviews and <a href="https://emilytalmage.com/2016/04/04/wondering-where-ed-reform-is-headed-next-watch-this-video/" target="_blank">we must refuse</a> online curriculum and other online programs that are being used to cash in on our starving public schools and our children. We must educate our school boards, our parents, our local unions and our communities.&nbsp; We must not be distracted by compromises - make no mistake, every single compromise used as a way to appease the masses has led us <b>Right. Here. &nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let Opt Out take on a bigger message than opposing the end of the year test; currently that is how mainstream media wants to frame it. We have to shift that - if we don't - they will dismantle our schools, our colleges of education, our teaching profession - &nbsp;and they will use our children to do it.&nbsp; The number of attacks occurring right now are immense - and the ESSA is rolling out the red carpet for it to happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At UOO we state:&nbsp; United Opt Out National serves as a focused point of unyielding resistance to corporate ed. reform. We demand an equitably funded, democratically based, anti-racist, desegregated public school system for all Americans that prepares students to exercise compassionate and critical decision making with civic virtue.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Watch the 2016 UOO conference in Philly to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYANTEJ0R9JS9q_6ZYuNx-aQMA-RfkmZU">learn more</a>. &nbsp;Pay attention to the continued co-optation of Opt Out and educate your community.&nbsp;&nbsp;See UOO's next steps&nbsp;<a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2016/02/12/2923/">here</a>&nbsp;(more information to follow soon).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We demand an end to all corporate education reform. &nbsp;No negotiations.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All for all children.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImSNDM-kN1Q/VwgfNwbGjkI/AAAAAAAAChI/6EU3Hi4Sv48to02kj_UCcRlv6_R63nXUw/s1600/UOO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImSNDM-kN1Q/VwgfNwbGjkI/AAAAAAAAChI/6EU3Hi4Sv48to02kj_UCcRlv6_R63nXUw/s200/UOO.jpg" width="164" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unitedoptout.com/" target="_blank">www.unitedoptout.com&nbsp;</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-7979087698240240322016-03-12T10:57:00.000-08:002016-03-14T08:43:11.646-07:00Do Aurora Public School Parents Know they can REFUSE the PARCC and/or CMAS test? Next week my school begins PARCC testing (it may be called CMAS in some schools). And for the most part, very few parents know that they can refuse the test because the district has not shared the <a href="http://aurorak12.org/about-aps/district-policies/" target="_blank">Aurora Opt Out Policy</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Our children have spent the majority of the year testing or practicing for tests - and now they must take. Another. Test.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The teachers have posted standards, targets, success criteria, given pre/post assessments, given on demand writing assessments (via Lucy Calkins writing program now tied ever so efficiently to the common core - cha ching), issued exit tickets, and now this past week children have completed PARCC practice tests online - all in an effort to get our school out of turnaround status. Teachers have unpacked standards, repacked standards, created long term planning with the standards. We have administered BAS (Benchmark Assessment System - reading test) to children again and again and dissected the BAS in an attempt to teach to the BAS - there by destroying the value (at this point I question that there is any) in giving the BAS. We have given PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) numerous times (an isolated reading skill assessment) which is worthless but must be reported to the state . We have given Acuity (by McGraw-Hill) - THREE times - and will give it a fourth time after PARCC. The Acuity supposedly aligns with PARCC - it is racist, classist and of course developmentally inappropriate. The English language learners have taken ACCESS (by WIDA) - an online language test that is beyond worthless and incredibly difficult to pass - I believe intentionally so - continued testing means continued profit. The kindergarten teachers must give TS Gold (Teaching Strategies Gold) - read <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2013/09/do-not-go-for-gold-teaching-strategies.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2013/10/teaching-strategies-gold-parent-refusal.html" target="_blank">here</a> about this intrusive assessment. These tests all have multiple parts - they take hours upon hours - they disrupt and destroy any chance of instruction. As teachers have been required to dissect the results of BAS, PALS, Acuity they have lost time to plan for authentic instruction based on their teacher observations and teacher created assessments (such as formative running records) After PARCC, and after the 4th round of Acuity, we will give BAS and PALS - AGAIN.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>And then the year will be over - it will be the end of May.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The corporations and federal mandates have successfully turned our school into a test prep factory. And the district has not only fulfilled the federal requirements for testing, they have ADDED to the testing.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a sad joke in our school that after winter break school is over. But it is over. And when there was an opportunity to teach even before winter break - our hands have been tied &nbsp;- the teaching has been constricted and void of student input, democratic thinking and teacher autonomy. When learning is compiled into a busy looking agenda of standards, success criteria and data driven instruction, the result is really minimal learning - if any. The learning that does occur is the most dumb-downed learning one can imagine - full of formulaic writing, skill/drill, and regurgitation of facts - because that is what the tests demand. The end goal is not educating the whole child, the end goal is raising mind-numbing test scores.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am always fascinated by the dog and pony show of posted standards and children who can regurgitate the learning target - in order to appease the district administration and the Colorado Department of Education who sadly have bought into a test/punish system &nbsp;- a system that is being used to dumb-down the district and the learning that occurs in our classroom. A system that continues to create more jobs at the top, rather than on the ground, in the schools, with the children. A system that continues to demand that educators adhere to a false reality - while keeping parents in the dark about these truths.</div><div><br /></div><div>When a <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/relay-graduate-school-indoctrination.html" target="_blank">district</a> decides it's a good idea to allow non-educators, such as Relay Fake Graduate School, to TRAIN (and I can assure it's training, like dog training) REAL educators with teaching degrees - we know that we have a serious, devastating problem. A heartbreaking problem, considering that this district, by far, has been known in the past, for having some of the best professional development in the state. Relay is all about test scores. Therefore, my school is now all about test scores.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that being said, I write this knowing that I have ten weeks left in this district (more on this later). And I am looking around at a learning environment that has been devastated, destroyed, and demolished - using fear tactics, top-down management and blatant teaching to the test. The word "child" is rarely used in any discussion of our work. Our work is about data - gathering the data, handling the data, entering the data online in various data banks. We are data technicians.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Next week our children will be subjected to a racist, classist test (PARCC/CMAS) that will be used to rank, sort, and order our children - ONCE AGAIN - to prove that our school is "failing" (not so - we are UNDER-RESOURCED). &nbsp;Once again we will subject ourselves to a vicious game that is meant to fail everyone - the children, the teachers, the district and the community. Our brilliant, creative children, many who speak two languages, many who come from homes lacking books, adequate nutrition, and health care, will be asked to "persevere" on a test that is developmentally inappropriate and demands that they sit for hours each day staring at a screen (7 days for 3rd/4th and 10 days for 5th). The children are not allowed to read when the test is done; this is educational malpractice upon education malpractice. &nbsp;How this decision was made I am unsure, as I am not a part of the testing team. I do hope that this decision will be abandoned before testing begins on Tuesday. These children deserve to read a book when this horrific test is done - and to require them to sit/stare rather than read, is denying them their right to <b>learning time during the school day</b>. I wonder if the parents know this is happening?</div><div><br /></div><div>The fights and the battles to do what is best and right and just for children are never ending. Exhausting. And crushing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our school has already been told that we will be given less money next year. As the district allocates school funding it appears we've been cut two teachers, we've been cut specials time (art/music/pe/library - down to 3.5 days) and we've been cut READ Act money (READ Act money funded most of my position as literacy interventionist). &nbsp;There is no money for my full-time position next year. By contract the district is required to offer me another position within the district (or place me in the sub pool) but I will not be staying. Perhaps I'll share more about that later - but let's get back to what I said about the funding at my school.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>A school in turnaround has been CUT funding - let that sink in. I have no words for these cruelties that are placed upon our children. But pay attention - this is how it works - this is how they shut down public schools and eventually increase the number of charters. This is how they bring in TFA (Teach for Awhile) or Fake Relay teachers who cost less and will work like crazy for two years in order to add this stepping stone to their resume. This is the privatization of public schools. Under-resourced schools ultimately cannot survive - the system is designed to devour them and allow the corporations to cash in on them - as it is, the corporations practically own us now.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I will not be at school next year when the PARCC results come back and the teachers are required to sit - once again - and look at the scores and ask....What do you see? What does this mean? What action will we take? That meeting was useless, as you can imagine, as we continue to be denied resources, small class size, a certified/licensed librarian, a registered/licensed nurse, and so on. The list is never ending in regard to what we need. Our parents need a living wage. Our children need food, health care and books.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>It is clear to me that the powers that be will continue to enforce mandates that are now past my ability to fight on the inside. It has become soul crushing. The complexities of this situation are so many that I cannot attempt to express it in this one blog. Perhaps if you scroll back through the rest of my posts this year you might get the bigger picture. And within the bigger picture, the ESSA will bring more testing, more charters, and less teachers with true four year teaching degrees to my district. The writing is on the wall. Will I continue to fight it? Of course.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>As I have talked to people over this past year who have come into our school, it has been interesting to hear them say that they "sensed" something was different. You can feel the layers of democracy as they are ripped - ever so harshly - &nbsp;from the classrooms, leaving behind a void or a silence.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>"This is not good for children" is the phrase I have heard quietly through out the building all year long. It's a phrase that has caused many a teacher to suffer from physical and emotional stress this year. The tears I have seen this year, and still see, as we attempt to express what our loss feels like, and how that loss impacts our children, is truly, never ending. And at this point, there is not a mass outcry to stop this, and so it continues. Those lone soldiers who do speak out are shunned, silenced, and alienated. Attempting to hold on to your humanity is a daily battle as you are bombarded with language, procedures, and mandates that ask you to forget that you are human.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>So, as our children are forced to test beginning next week, I shake my head, at the district's absolute silence on Opt Out. There is no humanity here. Why not tell the parents about their right to opt out without negative consequences?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>While administrators and teachers and parents speak up all across the country to educate, the Aurora Public School District stays silent. &nbsp;The parents have been denied information they could use to make a decision regarding their child's participation in this racist, classist and developmentally inappropriate test. And this is not a white movement that only exists in suburbia. The Opt Out movement impacts all communities and communities of color are increasingly joining the Opt Out movement. See <a href="http://www.progressive.org/pss/fight-against-standardized-testing-more-diverse-you-think" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.progressive.org/pss/six-reasons-why-opt-out-movement-good-students-and-parents-color" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>It would be amazing if Aurora Public Schools joined, wouldn't it?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>House Bill 15-1323 requires that Colorado districts must implement and adopt an opt out plan for parents who wish to opt their children out of PARCC. &nbsp;I looked up some of the districts in Colorado to see how they handled sharing this opt out procedure. Aurora did not share their procedure. They simply placed it in the board policies - and it is no easy feat to find this policy. How does one adopt and implement a policy for parents, if the parents don't know about it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is how Denver Public Schools handled their Opt Out Policy (be sure to zoom in on each of these screen shots):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUGBHQkvOAY/VuRO3Odpc8I/AAAAAAAACgo/dcyDpVa9xBIh5Gy6mrfduRMITgL2rJOPA/s1600/denver%2Bpublic%2Bschools.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUGBHQkvOAY/VuRO3Odpc8I/AAAAAAAACgo/dcyDpVa9xBIh5Gy6mrfduRMITgL2rJOPA/s640/denver%2Bpublic%2Bschools.png" width="368" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is how Jefferson County Public Schools handled their Opt Out Policy:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ob1Lw-ST8uE/VuRPA12O2eI/AAAAAAAACgs/Q3W8AV6ATTUOWl4wpap6FbKmI2xeRADbw/s1600/jeffco.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ob1Lw-ST8uE/VuRPA12O2eI/AAAAAAAACgs/Q3W8AV6ATTUOWl4wpap6FbKmI2xeRADbw/s640/jeffco.png" width="392" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is how Cherry Creek Public Schools handled their Opt Out Policy:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3ElDF1__Ks/VuRPJRfmxdI/AAAAAAAACgw/-_Pdj9K5NZkK3qONkx2PyGoOuZOw5jRcg/s1600/cherry%2Bcreek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3ElDF1__Ks/VuRPJRfmxdI/AAAAAAAACgw/-_Pdj9K5NZkK3qONkx2PyGoOuZOw5jRcg/s640/cherry%2Bcreek.png" width="370" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is how Littleton Public Schools handled their Opt Out Policy:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJRQw85XhJ4/VuRPTeoeyuI/AAAAAAAACg0/9GBrmsBdZiIwIMhOROA9SNenlOP8HieiA/s1600/LPS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJRQw85XhJ4/VuRPTeoeyuI/AAAAAAAACg0/9GBrmsBdZiIwIMhOROA9SNenlOP8HieiA/s640/LPS.png" width="380" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Aurora simply created a policy and placed it here:&nbsp;http://aurorak12.org/about-aps/district-policies/ .</div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck finding it.</div><div><br /></div><div>And how does one <b>search</b> for an Opt Out Policy if one doesn't know such a thing exists?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>How does a district <b>implement</b> a policy if no one knows such a policy is out there?</div><div><br /></div><div>Implement by definition means: <i>to fullfill, peform, carry out.</i>&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>This Opt Out Plan has not been implemented.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Shame on Aurora Public Schools.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Please share. Let the parents know. And please encourage Aurora Public Schools to do right by their children.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>As we say at United Opt Out National:</div><div>We demand an equitably funded, democratically based, anti-racist, desegregated public school system for all Americans that prepares students to exercise compassionate and critical decision making with civic virtue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell the parents. Let them help the district fight for what is best for our children and our communities.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a basic opt out letter to send in with your child next week. Your child is allowed to stay at school and the school cannot inflict any negative consequences on your child for refusing the PARCC/CMAS. Let me know if I can help. My email is writepeg@juno.com.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Date &nbsp;______________________</div><div>My child, &nbsp;__________________________________, will not be taking state assessments (PARCC/CMAS) during the 2016 school year. My child should not be asked about my refusal to allow participation, should not be pressured to participate, and should not be asked to make up the test—even though he/she attends school within the testing window. &nbsp;</div><div>Sincerely,</div><div>____________________</div><div><br /></div><div>Fecha ______________________</div><div><br /></div><div>Mi hijo, ______________, no tomará las evaluaciones estatales (PARCC/CMAS) el año escolar 2016. A mi hijo no le pregunten acerca de mi negativa a permitir la participación, y tampoco no debe ser presionado para participar, y no le hagan tomar ninguna prueba, a pesar de que él o ella asiste a la escuela dentro el periodo de pruebas.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Atentamente,</div><div>____________________</div><div><br /></div></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-59132385767430768352016-02-06T15:22:00.000-08:002016-02-06T16:32:15.902-08:00Billions for Online Testing, Online Curriculum & Technology. This was never about the kids. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unitedoptout.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkhOe28avqU/T0K_SnxERaI/AAAAAAAAAFY/k8yYr0HTaag/s200/UOO.jpg" width="164" /></a></div><br />As Obama rolls out <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/01/30/computer-science-all" target="_blank">coding for everyone</a>, updates his <a href="http://tech.ed.gov/netp/" target="_blank">technology plan</a>, his <a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-testing-action-plan" target="_blank">testing action plan</a>, the relaunch of <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2015/09/federal_peer_review_of_tests_begins_again.html" target="_blank">peer review of state assessment plans</a>, and pushes forward all sorts of lovely competency based digital badging via <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/02/04/fact-sheet-president-obama-proposes-new-first-job-funding-connect-young" target="_blank">workforce/skills training</a>, daily testing, <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2015/02/teach_to_one_what_happens_when_computers_pick_what_students_learn.html" target="_blank">online curriculum</a>, etc. etc. via <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1177/text" target="_blank">ESSA</a>, folks are debating the merits of these particular initiatives. I recall going through this with common core and I seriously wanted to throw my entire set of dishes across the room every time I had to have this conversation and this is why....<br /><br />First - make no mistake - this is being rolled out not because the corporations and the Dept. of Ed. suddenly sense this absolute urgency to fulfill a child's desperate life long need to learn coding and/or punch away at a computer all day in absolute zombie like glaze-eyed fashion. They would love - absolutely love - for us to spin our wheels debating what we like and don't like while we interact <i><b>within their test/punish system that continues to drive profit to the .01% while destroying the public school system and the teaching profession and ranking/sorting/ordering our children to keep privilege with the privileged</b></i>.<br /><br />Oh and be sure to check out the time for the rollout of all the initiatives along with the passage of ESSA - all in one full swoop - carefully planned and orchestrated within months. Understand one thing clearly - the test/punish system must be destroyed in its entirety if there is any hope whatsoever of shutting down the madness of privatization headed our way via ESSA.<br /><br />And why all of this so fast????? &nbsp;Because it MAKES MONEY. If this were about children we would see Obama throwing billions into funding for librarians, nurses, counselors, fine arts, small class size, building repairs, books, more teachers with teaching degrees, after school activities, health care, nutrition and more. But NO. This is about data. This is about demands and shifts in the market to meet the NEEDS OF THE MARKET - NOT CHILDREN.<br /><br />I mean think about it- we've got buildings with no teachers, buildings with black mold and schools with no resources. But suddenly.......suddenly everyone needs to learn coding? Yeah. Right. I took coding in high school and college. Yawn.<br /><br />What they need is data. You can't get data from a brand new dry wall. Every time a child punches a keyboard they enter one more piece of data. Every piece of data creates more data and public education is the data gold mine right now. Data allows them to manage, control, persuade and steer the people where they want them. This is not about who a child is, what she loves to do, or what he hopes to become in this world. This is about hard cold cash via data.<br /><br />If you missed this datapalooza via Knewton you should watch it now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lr7Z7ysDluQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lr7Z7ysDluQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />If they want to flood the market to lower the salary within the many fields of workforce training they can do it. Remember, there never was a STEM crisis. So, we can waste our time debating the pros and cons of standards, coding, technology, new forms of so-called innovative testing and more. Ho hum. They'd like to keep us busy debating. Meanwhile, understand that in ten years public schools as we know them will no longer exist. Poof. Gone.<br /><br />The ESSA comes up for reauthorization in four years. They are running - full speed ahead - to take it all (the public school system) before the public understands that online testing and curriculum is no more than a glorified skills-based worksheet on a screen.<br /><br />They will swallow every piece of student data they can get and they will spit out the children one by one until they've devoured every last data tag possible that a child can muster up. They will gather data on a child's hard skills and soft skills - emotion, character traits - they will get as much as they can - facial expressions, heart rate, pupil dilation and more. As Ed Week says - the race is on to provide schools with <a href="http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/01/13/digital-tools-evolving-to-track-students-emotions.html" target="_blank">personalized learning</a>&nbsp;- check out THAT link and your hair will stand on end.<br /><br />They will feed hungry children tests upon tests upon tests - daily - in strip mall charter schools, from home via online learning, in an under-resourced school and dilapidated trailers - they care nothing for the child and/or the conditions of the child's home, school, or the child's well-being.<br /><br />There will be no teaching profession. Just <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/brown-center-chalkboard/posts/2016/01/27-essa-teacher-prep-innovation-arnett?rssid=brown+center+chalkboard" target="_blank">facilitators</a> and online learning with daily testing for all.<br /><br />It really makes you wonder what all those applause for the ESSA were - huh? We at UOO warned of this for months before the passage of ESSA, and we'll continue to push forward to stop it at our <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2015/06/29/uoo-conference-february-26-28-2016-transcending-resistance-igniting-revolution/" target="_blank">conference</a> this month in Philly.<br /><br />As long as we continue to give any credibility to any of their plans we are simply a pawn in the game that the corporations and the .01% have been planning for years upon years. If we want to end it we must revolt. Don't try to reason with them and/or make the best of an absolutely shitty situation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Demand all for all children and refuse their tests, their online curriculum (do this in large groups - watch what happens when an entire CLASS refuses to allow their children to take an online curriculum) and refuse their stupid coding classes.<br /><br />As we say at UOO: We demand an equitably funded, democratically based, anti-racist, desegregated public school system for all Americans that prepares students to exercise compassionate and critical decision making with civic virtue.<br /><br />Revolt and let's get this done.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-59029086383262313862016-01-19T18:46:00.001-08:002016-01-19T18:46:28.565-08:00A Parent Speaks Up at a “Turnaround” School in Aurora, Colorado; Un Padre Da su Opinión en una Escuela de “Voltear” en Aurora, ColoradoThe following is an interview I conducted with a parent from my school. The parent chose to remain anonymous.<br /><br />Thanks for doing this interview. As a teacher at Jewell I think it's important that all parents understand changes that are occurring in public education, so I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and your children's experiences this year at our school. &nbsp;As a teacher, I also believe it's my responsibility to keep children's well-being and learning at the forefront of all my decisions, which is why I reached out to you for this blog post. The parent perspective has been missing from my recent <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/relay-graduate-school-indoctrination.html" target="_blank">blogs</a> about my <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/12/gaslighting-turnaround-schools.html" target="_blank">experience</a> in a school labeled as "turnaround." &nbsp;Hopefully we can help the Colorado Dept. of Ed., the Colorado State Board of Education, and the Aurora Public Schools to think carefully about the decisions they are making and how these decisions impact our children, teachers, schools and communities.<br /><br />So let's get started!<br /><br /><i>Gracias por hacer esta entrevista. &nbsp;Como una maestra en Jewell yo creo que es importante que todos los padres entienden los cambios que están ocurriendo en la educación pública. &nbsp;De verdad aprecio que está compartiendo sus experiencias y las experiencias de sus hijos, este año en nuestra escuela. Como una maestra, también creo que es mi responsabilidad a considerar en mis decisiones el bienestar y el aprendizaje de los niños. Este es porque extiendo el brazo a usted en este blog. &nbsp;Falta la perspectiva de los padres en mis <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/relay-graduate-school-indoctrination.html" target="_blank">blogs</a> recientes sobre mi <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/12/gaslighting-turnaround-schools.html" target="_blank">experiencia</a> en una escuela etiquetada de “turnaround” o “voltear” en español (son escuelas cuyos bajos rendimientos requieren la ayuda de fondos federales). &nbsp; Con suerte, podemos ayudar a el Departamento de Educación en Colorado, el Directorio Estatal de Educación y las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora pensar cuidadosamente en las decisiones que están haciendo, y como estas decisiones impactan nuestros hijos, maestros, escuelas y comunidades.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>¡Vamos a comenzar!</i><br /><br />Can you talk a little bit about your children's experience at Jewell last year?<br /><i>¿Pudiera platicar un poco acerca de las experiencias de sus hijos en la escuela Jewell el año pasado?</i><br /><br />Well, in general, our kids have always been happy at Jewell. They looked forward to school days and often told me excitedly about what they were learning. Fun seemed to be a part of the classroom life and homework mostly involved reading and review of things they learned during school time. They seemed to connect more with their teachers in other years, coming home and telling me about something funny the teacher said or did.<br /><br /><i>Pues, en general, nuestros hijos siempre estuvieron contentos en Jewell. Les gustaba ir a la escuela y me decían con emoción lo que aprendían. La diversión era parte del salón de clases y la tarea involucraba leer y repasar cosas que aprendieron en la escuela. Había más conexión con sus maestros en otros años, y llegaban a casa contando algo graciosos que hizo o dijo el maestro.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Can you talk a little bit about your children's experience at Jewell this year?<br /><i>¿Pudiera platicar un poco acerca de las experiencias de sus hijos en la escuela Jewell este año?</i><br /><br />This year has definitely been different for them. My partner battles with them every morning because they don’t want to go to school. When I ask them why, they simply can’t give me an answer. It’s like they just lost interest. I rarely hear them mention anything that they are looking forward to. I don’t hear the fun stories or feel that they have a genuine connection with their teachers. Their homework is intense sometimes and causes them stress. At first I thought it must be something about my kids, but I slowly realized that the environment in the whole school had changed. I spoke to other parents and some told me the same thing about their kids and interest in school. Our kids were suddenly aware of assessments and how well or poorly they did. That was something new for us! The kids had never come home talking or worrying about assessments before this year.<br /><br /><i>Este año ha sido diferente para ellos. Mi pareja batalla con ellos a diario en la mañana porque no quieren ir a la escuela. Cuando les pregunto porque, simplemente no saben que decir. Es como si perdieron el interés. Ya no los escucho mencionar algo al cual esperan con gusto. No escucho las historias graciosas o siento que tienen una conexión sincera con sus maestros. Su tarea es intensa a veces y les causa estrés. Primero pensé que tal vez sería algo con mis hijos, pero luego entendí que el ambiente en toda la escuela cambio. Hable con otros padres y algunos me contaron la misma cosa sobre sus hijos y su interés en la escuela. Nuestros hijos ahora estaban conscientes de las evaluaciones y que bien o mal calificaban. ¡Esto fue algo nuevo para nosotros! Los niños jamás habían llegado a casa hablando o preocupándose sobre las evaluaciones antes de este año.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Were you given notice that our school is now designated as a Relay Leadership School and that the principal is attending Relay Graduate School training in NY four times this year, as well as two weeks this past summer here in Denver? &nbsp;If you were given notice, can you share how and what you were told?<br /><i>¿Le avisaron de que nuestra escuela ya se designa una escuela Liderazgo Relay y de que la directora va a asistir a la Relay Graduate School en Nueva York cuatro veces, y que también asistía dos semanas en Denver el verano pasado?</i><br /><br />No. We were not given notice. Admittedly, we are not great at checking the kids’ backpacks for notices, and they aren’t great at remembering to give them to us on time, but we usually get them eventually. Also, we get weekly phone calls and I have never heard anything about this training.<br /><br /><i>No. No nos avisaron. Admito que no somos los mejores en buscar noticias en las mochilas de los niños, y ellos a veces se les olvida darnos los papeles, pero normalmente nos llegan tarde o temprano. También recibimos llamadas cada semana y nunca he sabido de este entrenamiento.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Have you noticed any changes in school culture this year? <br /><i>¿Se ha dado cuenta de cualquier cambio en la cultura escolar durante este año?</i><br /><br />Like I said, the kids are not excited about school and we are hearing the same things from our friends that have kids at Jewell. We also notice the teachers seem tired and overall just not excited either. I swear they seem happier about the breaks than the kids! It’s painfully obvious to us as parents that the morale is down.<br /><br /><i>Como mencioné, los niños no están emocionados de ir a la escuela y escuchamos lo mismo de nuestros amigos. También notamos que los maestros parecen estar cansados y sin emoción. ¡Parece que ellos se emocionan más sobre los descansos que los niños! &nbsp;Es obvio para nosotros los padres que el moral está bajo.</i><br /><br />Talk a little bit about the testing - as you know this is a big concern of mine and it's helpful for readers to hear it from the perspective of a parent whose children attend Jewell. &nbsp;How do your children feel about the testing? How do you feel about it? &nbsp; <br /><i>Hable un poco acerca de las evaluaciones. &nbsp;Es una preocupación que tengo, y es útil que lectores oyen la perspectiva de padres cuyos hijos asisten Jewell. &nbsp;¿Cómo se sienten sus hijos sobre las evaluaciones? &nbsp;¿Cómo se siente usted? &nbsp;</i><br /><br />I am honestly feeling conflicted about the testing. While I do think children should be assessed, I am not sure that the tests they take are the best way to do that. And there seems to be so much! Our kids are anxious about it every year! And we have never seen them anxious about it so early in the year! Why are they even being told about the testing except much closer to the dates? I don’t get it. There is just no way that our students will measure up to those students in affluent neighborhoods in the state. And that is not to say that they are not as smart, it’s just that there is so much more to consider with the diversity at Jewell. Some kids speak English as a second language, some have parents with no educational background to help them, some have families with money or abuse issues. Not to mention the lack of money and other resources.<br /><br />I think eventually the teachers are told to teach to pass the test and not based on what interests these kids. That is where I think there is a huge problem. I don’t care whether or not my kids get some high score on some test. I just care that they learn to think critically and have fun while doing it, because they are just kids!<br /><br /><i>Me siento en conflicto sobre las evaluaciones. Mientras sí pienso que los niños deben ser evaluados, no estoy seguro que las evaluaciones que usan son la mejor manera de hacerlo. ¡Y hay tantos! ¡Nuestros hijos están ansiosos cada año! Y jamás habíamos visto la ansiedad tan temprano en el año. ¿Porque se les están hablando de estas evaluaciones tan temprano? No entiendo. No hay manera que nuestros estudiantes se comparan a esos en barrios ricos del estado. No es por falta de inteligencia, pero porque hay mucho más que considerar con la diversidad en Jewell. &nbsp;Algunos niños hablan inglés como segundo idioma, algunos tienen padres sin educación formal, algunos tienen familias con problemas de dinero o abuso. También hay la falta de dinero y recursos.&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><i>Yo creo que eventualmente los maestros están ordenados a enseñar basado en como pasar las evaluaciones y no basado en los intereses de los niños. &nbsp;Este es donde yo creo que hay un gran problema. &nbsp;No estoy preocupado con marcas altas en ninguna evaluación. &nbsp;Solamente estoy preocupado que aprendan a pensar críticamente y que se diviertan durante el aprendizaje, porque son niños. &nbsp;</i><br /><br />By law Colorado schools are required to inform parents of the testing calendar as well as share information about their right to opt out of certain tests without any punitive consequences for the child. Did you receive any of this information? If so, how, when, and exactly what were you told?<br /><i>La ley de Colorado requiere que las escuelas informan a los padres del calendario de las evaluaciones, y también compartir información sobre sus derechos de rechazar las evaluaciones, sin ninguna consecuencia negativa para los niños. &nbsp;¿Recibió usted esta información? ¿Cómo y cuándo y exactamente, que información recibió? &nbsp;</i><br /><br />Again, I’m not the best at getting info from the kids right away in the shape of letters, etc. I have not heard this from Jewell. Not in the calls, not anywhere else. I only know about this because I know others who have done it.<br /><br /><i>Una vez más, no soy el mejor a pedir la información de los niños cuando se trata de cartas, etc. No he escuchado esto de Jewell. Ni en las llamadas o en otro lugar. Solo se porque conozco otros que lo han hecho.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Do you plan to <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2015/11/17/attention-aurora-public-school-families-atencion-familias-de-alumnos-de-las-escuelas-publicas-de-aurora/" target="_blank">opt your</a> children out of CMAS/PARCC this year? &nbsp;If so, why?<br /><i>¿Usted tiene planes de <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2015/11/17/attention-aurora-public-school-families-atencion-familias-de-alumnos-de-las-escuelas-publicas-de-aurora/" target="_blank">eximir</a> sus hijos de CMAS/PARCC este año? &nbsp;¿Por qué?&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Yes. I am opting them out. I hate how anxious my kids get over those tests. I hate how they think their worth is determined by those scores. Someone must be making a lot of money from those things and most likely those folks don’t give a darn about my kids. It’s getting out of control, in my opinion. I don’t remember testing even being on my radar when I was in elementary school. I wish everyone would opt out so we could go back to trusting teachers to know what our kids needed to/wanted to learn.<br /><br /><i>Sí. No les voy a permitir hacer los exámenes. Odio como se ponen ansiosos los niños por los exámenes. Odio que piensen que su valor se determina por sus calificaciones. Alguien tiene que estar haciendo mucho dinero de esos exámenes y es más probable que esas personas no les importen mis hijos. Está fuera de control, en mi opinión. No recuerdo el saber sobre los exámenes cuando yo asistí primaria. Quisiera que todos pidieran que sus hijos no tomaran los exámenes, para así volver a confiar en que los maestros saben lo que nuestros hijos necesitan/quieren aprender.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Is there anything you'd like to tell parents at Jewell - anything not covered in the previous questions? <i>¿Hay algo más que quiere decirles a los padres de Jewell, algo no incluido en las preguntas anteriores?</i><br /><br />Just to do your homework. If your children are not happy about going to school every morning, look beyond them, beyond the teachers even. I know it seems like your one voice does not matter in the big pic, but you’d be surprised how much it can matter. In the end our kids and their education are our responsibility.<br /><br /><i>Solo que hagan su propia tarea. Si sus hijos no son felices al ir a la escuela a diario, miren más allá de ellos, y hasta más allá de los maestros. Sé que parece que una voz no importa en la gran pantalla, pero se sorprendería cuanto en realidad sí importa. Al fin, nuestros hijos y su educación es nuestra responsabilidad.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />I want to make it clear to readers that the purpose of this blog is to communicate what is happening at Jewell from the perspective of a parent. The press is doing a stellar job of bashing Aurora's teachers and our district. If we hope to reclaim our schools it's up to us to educate, give our input, speak with truth, and consider what is best for our children. Many thanks to this parent for sharing. &nbsp;And many thanks to the amazing teachers at Jewell, who I am so lucky to work with every day. &nbsp;I do not believe that Relay Graduate School, run by non-educators, is a good fit for any school in need of support. Read more here about <a href="http://www.coloradostatesman.com/state-takes-long-bet-that-money-spent-on-principals-will-turn-around-schools/" target="_blank">Relay "fake" Graduate School</a>. I do not believe that teaching to the test and continual testing will improve our school either. &nbsp;Our school needs resources (books, teachers, a librarian, full-time nurse and more) and our society needs to protect our children from poverty by making sure they have food, shelter, healthcare and more. Aurora Public Schools cannot be blamed for society's ills. Aurora's teachers cannot "fix" society's ills via high test scores. &nbsp;It is time to stop feeding our children tests and it is time to stop punishing our neediest schools for society's failures.<br /><br />Jewell Elementary Demographics:<br /><br />We have approximately 40 languages spoken at our school. &nbsp;We have approximately 500 students and around 70% receive free/reduced lunch. &nbsp;32% of our students are English language learners. &nbsp;The district of Aurora has students from 131 countries with 133 languages represented. &nbsp;See more <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KU09qAB6pgRYx5cN0J0ryPqeOz9nhy2-FMnL8wYTWyE/edit" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><i>Quiero clarificar a los lectores que el propósito de este blog es comunicar que está pasando en Jewell de la perspectiva de un padre. &nbsp;La prensa está golpeando los maestros y el distrito de Aurora. &nbsp;Si queremos reclamar nuestras escuelas, necesitamos educar, dar nuestro aporte, hablar la verdad, y considerar que es mejor para nuestros hijos. &nbsp;Muchas gracias a este padre por compartir. &nbsp;Y muchas gracias a los maestros increíbles en Jewell. &nbsp;Estoy muy afortunada de trabajar con ellos cada día. &nbsp;No creo que “Relay Graduate School,” organizada sin educadores, es buena para ninguna escuela que necesita apoyo. &nbsp;Lee más aquí sobre el falso “<a href="http://www.coloradostatesman.com/state-takes-long-bet-that-money-spent-on-principals-will-turn-around-schools/" target="_blank">Relay Graduate School</a>.” &nbsp;Tampoco creo que enseñando solo para pasar las evaluaciones y examinando constante mejorará nuestra escuela. &nbsp;La escuela necesita recursos (libros, maestros, un bibliotecario, una enfermera a tiempo completo y más) y nuestra sociedad necesita proteger nuestros hijos de la pobreza por asegurandar que tienen comida, abrigo, cuidado de la salud y más. &nbsp;Las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora no tiene la culpa de los problemas de la sociedad. &nbsp;Los maestros de Aurora no pueden fijar problemas de la sociedad con marcas altas en las evaluaciones. &nbsp;Es tiempo de dejar de castigar las escuelas más necesitadas por los fracasos de la sociedad. &nbsp;</i><br /><br /><i>Estadísticas demográficas de Jewell:&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Tenemos aproximadamente 40 idiomas que se hablan en nuestra escuela. &nbsp;Tenemos aproximadamente 500 estudiantes y 70% almuerzo gratis/reducido. &nbsp;Treinta y dos por ciento de los estudiantes están aprendiendo inglés. &nbsp;El distrito de Aurora tiene estudiantes de 131 países con 133 idiomas representadas. &nbsp;Para más información, lee <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KU09qAB6pgRYx5cN0J0ryPqeOz9nhy2-FMnL8wYTWyE/edit" target="_blank">aquí</a>. &nbsp;</i><br /><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8238533740436284883.post-24810748545202106242015-12-28T10:54:00.001-08:002015-12-28T19:42:11.154-08:00Gaslighting & Turnaround Schools<div class="MsoNormal">I am currently working in a turnaround school.&nbsp;&nbsp; A turnaround school is a public school that has been deemed "failing" by policy makers. The policy makers inflict draconian, fascist measures on such schools in an effort to turn them around - aka - increase test scores. &nbsp;If they don't increase test scores they bring the hammer down harder by firing teachers, handing the school over to a charter, or closing the school, and so on.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Turnaround schools are not failing. Rather, the truth is that the policies are the failures. The racist, classist, sexist policies are based on lies and false realities meant to create compliant worker bees who do as they are told to increase test scores, while ultimately allowing the corporate reformers to push forward other measures which increase profit, increase the privatization of our public schools, and finally, increase the power of the privileged. That's it in a nutshell.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, the factual process of turnaround in no way reveals to the public how this brutal takeover goes down.&nbsp; How to articulate the process has been at the forefront of my mind for the last five months as I found myself thrown head first into this madness. &nbsp;And indeed, it&nbsp; is a madness like no other - a combination of insane asylum and prison. As I tried to articulate it to a dear friend of mine, she said, "Peggy, you are being <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/power-in-relationships/200905/are-you-being-gaslighted" target="_blank">gaslighted</a>."&nbsp; I had never heard the term gaslighting. I immediately began to read about it. I owe much gratitude to this friend who has given me a framework I can use to explain this process.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My point in writing this blog is to expose the turnaround process for what it can be (not all turnarounds are necessarily as I describe), and allow those in the midst of this to figure out how to move forward. This is not a feel good blog with a happy ending. Ultimately, I don't know how it will end for me, but I believe that the only way we will end the bigger picture of corporate education reform is through educating the public and educating ourselves so that together, we can form a plan of action to fight back. Gaslighting is designed to keep you in fight/flight mode - so it's important to step back, understand it, and think it through, in order to determine your next step.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gaslighting is such an insane reality to live in that it becomes incredibly difficult to focus on anything else except the ability to get through the day- it is designed intentionally so. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So let's try to take a look at what's really happening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The first stage of Gaslighting is described as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/power-in-relationships/200905/are-you-being-gaslighted" target="_blank">disbelief</a>.</b>&nbsp; Strange events, behaviors, and actions by others begin to occur. Perhaps you are told something that doesn't seem true to you or simply just sounds bizarre. Perhaps someone you trusted speaks to you in a manner that seems fake, or staged.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In my case, the "disbelief" began with the supposed root cause of our turnaround status.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We were told:&nbsp; <i><b>Students experienced lower-quality and less rigorous instruction that did not accelerate them to proficiency and beyond, because the CCSS was not used to guide instruction in all content areas.&nbsp;&nbsp; </b><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, for someone like myself, &nbsp;who has spent hours upon hours researching and advocating for the end of corporate education reform this "root cause" at first, is quite laughable. We know that standards - good, bad, and ugly, in no way increase student achievement. Quite honestly, there's <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2014/06/paul_thomas_the_problem_isnt_j.html" target="_blank">no correlation</a> whatsoever between standards and student test scores. This has been clearly confirmed by looking at <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/02/brookings_report_explores_comm.html" target="_blank">NAEP scores</a> and the standards used in the various states. So, simply put, it's a lie. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And therein follows the disbelief. You are told a lie about this so-called turnaround status. And I can assure you that nationwide there is no root cause - in a school improvement plan housed on a department of education website -&nbsp;that will state the truth - <b><a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/3067:poverty-and-testing-in-education-%E2%80%9Cthe-present-scientificolegal-complex%E2%80%9D" target="_blank">the truth is clearly poverty</a></b> and that has been <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2010/05/stephen_krashen_fix_poverty_an.html" target="_blank">confirmed as well</a>.&nbsp; But in this gut wrenching fast move to privatize our public schools it is necessary to lie and necessary to beat people into compliance in order to cash in quickly - using policies which gaslight educators who ultimately must carry out these actions of educational malpractice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, you sit in disbelief at these lies. &nbsp;At first you think, okay, whatever, we can play this game. We'll continue to do right by children behind closed doors and the policy makers can go screw themselves. That's the first reaction. &nbsp;At this point you still believe you have some autonomy and you think you might be able to reason with the powers that be in order to figure out a way to "tweak" this to make it doable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But then, the gaslighting process continues. The policy makers have a strangle hold on our public schools, and they will find various ways to continue to push forward their measures in a turnaround school. Perhaps they will bring in an auditor who interviews (interrogates) each staff member in an attempt to expose weaknesses that might confirm the so-called root cause. Perhaps they will bring in district personnel to dig through your data and observe your classrooms nonstop in order to, once again, find confirmation that your root cause is true, valid and that ultimately - <b><i>you, the educators, are to blame for your low test scores</i></b>. Perhaps they will bring in consultants, books, videos, or additional training to lead you to see how embracing their root cause will fix your failure. There are many ways they might move forward as they gaslight you. In my school, we were enrolled in the Colorado Department of Education turnaround program.&nbsp; We were labeled a Relay Leadership School and Relay indoctrination became the vehicle for our gaslighting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are unfamiliar with Relay please read my <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/relay-graduate-school-indoctrination.html" target="_blank">blog here</a>. Relay is a fake graduate school that was created to meet the needs of particular charter school chains who focus on <a href="http://www.pegwithpen.com/2015/09/understanding-teach-like-champion.html" target="_blank">no excuse models</a> of discipline and teach to the test curriculum. Simply put, it's hell on earth for experienced teachers with actual teaching degrees, master's degrees, and years of teaching experience.&nbsp; As a school that prided itself on our model of inquiry and democracy this was an insanely sharp turn to take.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The false root cause was just setting the stage for the steps that followed.&nbsp; &nbsp;We watched in awe as new vocabulary was introduced, new protocols for meetings were brought forward, new expectations around student behavior, new expectations around lesson plans, teaching, teacher evaluation and more surfaced. Ultimately, the reality we knew was gone. &nbsp;We watched in disbelief. &nbsp;We tried to shake it off like a wet dog and clarify who we were - what we stood for - but when you are not in a position of power it becomes extremely difficult to demand that your identity is acknowledged.&nbsp; At this stage of gaslighting one becomes defensive&nbsp; - it is here where you try to hold your ground - a bit of a last stand.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During <b>stage two - defense </b>- you think that perhaps there is a way to reason through this situation. Perhaps honesty will help. Perhaps stating clearly how we know that our root cause is poverty and that there is no research to demonstrate that adhering to standards improves student achievement, perhaps, just perhaps - there will be a way to shift this back to what you know to be the true reality - a come-to-jesus meeting so to speak.&nbsp; <i>Let's just put it all out there</i>....you think.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, perhaps, as a defense, you refuse to follow through with demands made on you - demands which are an attempt to make this reality become the norm. You might refuse to do test prep, post standards, or perhaps you simply refuse to participate in meetings where this bullshit is discussed. Perhaps you vocally state that you will not participate in book studies or processes which demand that you ignore <b>what you know about pedagogy, child development, and ultimately, your students</b>.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You think that you might be able to reason with the gaslighters who push forward these measures, but policy makers do not care about children. They care about their policy, and this is when you realize that you stand alone - policy prevails - and it trickles down in the most toxic way - it pushes and prods and ultimately pounds&nbsp;-&nbsp;when necessary - to enforce this reality which does not exist. &nbsp;You might at this point try to be a team player while still closing your door and attempting to do right by kids - you think you can work within the system in order to make the best of a horrid situation and protect the children by doing so - a careful and quiet defense. You participate in meetings, you try to make sense of the standards in a way that you can see how they might benefit your students. You smile in the hallways and you think this is doable - you can get through this - you can secretly do right by kids.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But the incredibly harsh and punitive measures keep coming. &nbsp;They want more from you - absolute utter compliance to a system of standards, targets, success criteria, tight transitions, evaluation of worthless interim test data, pre-assessments, post-assessments, and more. It's never ending. They want to observe. At first the observations are scheduled. But soon they become pop-ins and then you are told that they/the policy makers&nbsp; - could show up at anytime.&nbsp; Your defensive mode is still on - but you are also feeling fearful - fearful of the unknown and confused by the pounding that comes faster and more frequently by the day. You never hear the word <b><i>child</i></b> uttered in any conversations related to the work you do.&nbsp;&nbsp; You know that all of this is meaningless - this false reality is based on nothing - you know you're NOT crazy - standards, targets - all of this is based on a business model of education - a corporate fascist model designed to treat children and teachers as widgets - to be moved and manipulated as needed in order to get them to cough up numbers - data - data that can be used to create winners and losers. &nbsp;There's no humanity here. &nbsp;Just numbers. Just hard cold numbers that you must churn out with a militant nazi like step that makes you want to vomit in the bathroom on your lunch break.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you give them the numbers, the data - you know that this is not what is best for children. You know that&nbsp;your attempts to play the game have failed miserably. &nbsp;You don't believe in this game&nbsp; and you are not a widget - you are a human being with a conscience and you care for the children in your classroom. &nbsp;You simply can't be brainwashed - and&nbsp; while you think you might be going crazy, your conversations with others makes it clear that none of you are going crazy, you are simply being gaslighted.&nbsp;You know you don't believe in creating compliant learners who parrot back targets and sit in rows and transition tightly with no student choice, no inquiry, no creativity and ultimately no democracy. You can't play the game - you simply can't do it. And you wonder, how can anyone do it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Are we losing our humanity?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that brings on the <b>third stage, depression.</b> As I have talked to teachers across the country over the last four years about the turnaround process, depression has been one of the most prominent feelings that teachers have discussed.&nbsp; Teachers are in tears daily, antidepressants and other prescribed medications become necessary to cope and survive day by day in this punitive process. Teachers have anxiety attacks in the middle of the school day. &nbsp;Teachers search for a quiet space somewhere in the building to make a quick call to a friend in order to get the fortitude to work through the next three hours rather than have an emotional collapse. Having the time and energy to take care of one's self becomes nonexistent. &nbsp;<i>I&nbsp;just can't do it</i> you say to yourself - but you know you must. Every day you must get up and do it again. &nbsp;Every day you imagine how you might escape - what other job could you do? But then, you love the kids, you don't want to leave, but&nbsp; you can't figure out how you will survive much longer. &nbsp;You sit in your car in the parking lot and try to pull it together for one. more. day. And you begin to wonder about the policy makers ultimate evil goals......are they attempting to push you out? They need compliant teachers who will believe it - and you know THEY know you are not compliant. Your mind is racing. And you wonder, who are these people who can believe these things? What has happened to humanity?&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A dear friend of mine and teacher, Tanis Humes, who recently left my school due to our turnaround nightmare, described it like this:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><i>Teacher burn out is real. It happens. All you need to do it google the term and you can read about how real it is. Teacher burnout happens to the best of us working in the best of conditions. It happens because teaching takes a lot out of us. It takes physical strength, circling a room, holding off using the restroom, standing, bending, and don’t get me started on the germ warfare your body goes through each and every work day year after year. It takes from us emotionally. You care about each one of those precious lives. You cry in your car on the way home because of the stories they shared, or the fear that they are not going to catch up to their peers socially or academically. You have bouts of anger and frustration when the students decide they would like to control the table group, the classroom, and sometimes you. And finally, spiritually - you invest in their hopes and dreams. You worry it’s not enough. You are always reading and researching the next best thing. We as teachers do this every day, 180ish days a year, for years. You are your toughest critic. But the good moments and the breaks for holidays give you just enough recharge to keep going.</i><br /><i><br />Then another outside factor finds its way into your career, building, and classroom. Your department of education, a hired consulting firm, or district “coaching” team arrive to add a new stressor, their hard line and sense of “urgency” that they fail to recognize you already had. Now the times during which you doubt yourself, there is a person or group who says you should doubt yourself. Piece by piece, instead of building you up, they are tearing you down. They think if they pressure you enough you’ll &nbsp;"grow" and so will your students. They pressure you so that you’ll pressure the students. They bully you into compliance so that you in turn will bully the students into compliance, and eventually,&nbsp; there are not enough good moments to recharge. They use double speak so that you begin to fear for your job. They create impossible deadlines so you’ll kill yourself trying to make it and in return you might have a little less time for the students. Something they will see and cite as to why your school or practices need their input and assistance. In essence they kill the teacher in you and the spirit that kept you together through all the other stressors until you leave, and then they can replace you with someone who they think will be the magician that you were not. You leave, not willingly, but out of self preservation for your physical and emotional well-being. We call it burnout. But the source of the burn is not the students, the work or the calendar. It is the people who think they know how to “fix” you and your school. When all they need to do is look at what is best for the students, school, and teachers. It is not pressure and threats or compliance. It is meeting our physical and emotional needs and respecting us.</i><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a turnaround situation where one is being gaslighted, as Tanis described above, eventually you get to a point where a decision must be made - you stay - or you go.&nbsp; And if you stay, in some way your spirit, your identity, your <i>being</i> shifts - it is difficult to walk with a light step in this environment . Maybe your step becomes more determined, maybe slower, maybe you&nbsp;step out - for good.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am sure that there are many folks out there who would add a new dimension, a new twist, or example, to my description of gaslighting - google gaslighting to see the varied experiences and stages that are shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;Feel free to leave a comment sharing your experience. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bottom line is that in a turnaround school the end goal is to destroy what you know to be true&nbsp; - the end goal is to shift and transform the reality in order to meet the goals of the policy makers who know nothing about children. &nbsp;The goals of the policy makers are hollow and weak - they want to increase test scores.&nbsp; Yet, these policies embody something much bigger, much more <a href="https://radicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/the-ignored-r-word-of-education-reform-we-must-be-exceptional-if-we-are-to-be-anything-at-all/" target="_blank">egregious</a>than anyone wishes to acknowledge in mainstream media. Standardized test scores are rooted in the eugenics movement, where they ranked, sorted and ordered individuals&nbsp;using standardized tests to confirm that certain races were smarter and better - standardized tests today remain as a strong hold to keep the privilege privileged. It's important to understand this history and keep it in the forefront of your mind when every last god forsaken mandate attempts to tell you otherwise. &nbsp;&nbsp;Karen Lewis explains it very well <a href="https://preaprez.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/karen-lewis-standardized-testing-and-the-eugenics-movement/" target="_blank">here </a>.&nbsp; As policies continue to enforce a reality that is untrue (standardized test scores have value) it becomes essential for everyone under those policies to continue to pay homage to the policies if indeed this reality is to be believed by the public and continue to generate profit and power for the privileged.&nbsp; The reality is that providing children with <a href="http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2012/10/david-berliner-on-inequality-poverty.html" target="_blank">nutrition</a>, healthcare, and books, while also providing adults with a living wage, would allow our public schools and our democracy&nbsp; to thrive. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Under <a href="http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2015/12/essa-does-not-end-nclb.html" target="_blank">ESSA</a>, these punitive <a href="http://www.alfiekohn.org/blogs/nclb/" target="_blank">measures</a> will continue.&nbsp; There will be <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2015/10/16/competency-based-learning-online-education-and-lamar-alexanders-esea-revisions-and-you-thought-handing-control-back-to-the-states-would-be-a-good-thing/" target="_blank">no relief </a>from <a href="https://stopcommoncorenys.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/competency-based-ed-the-culmination-of-the-common-core-agenda/" target="_blank">testing</a>, in actuality, there will be <a href="http://unitedoptout.com/2015/10/25/reading-between-the-lines-obamas-testing-action-plan/" target="_blank">more testing</a> &nbsp;- but that's for another blog post. &nbsp;Turnaround schools will still exist, and the only way to shut down gaslighting is to educate and to refuse the tests.&nbsp; Until then, this false reality will continue to be pushed forward by policy makers.&nbsp; And policy makers will continue to push out true, experienced educators with teaching degrees in order to bring in fake (TFA, Relay) teachers who are willing to comply, believe the propaganda,&nbsp;and support the process of ranking, sorting and ordering America's children. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If you are being gaslighted, the best way to shut it down is to educate.&nbsp; It isn't easy to watch the transformation of a school filled with teachers and children shift &nbsp;to a model of education that lacks democracy, humanity, and truth. &nbsp;If it were easy, we wouldn't be human. Keep being human.&nbsp;</div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528074805238422940noreply@blogger.com28